Problem Patterns - I Think You Should Leave
Words: Eerie Rose | Photograph: @angiephotostudio
While you might be a little disappointed to learn that ‘I Think You Should Leave’ is not in fact a crossover between your favourite Irish punks and the Tim Robinson sketch show of the same name, you will be pleased to know it is actually the first new single released after Problem Patterns’ (in my opinion, seminal) debut record 'Blouse Club.’ The band have been having a whirlwind of a year, from the success of the album to winning a Northern Ireland Music Prize, to playing festivals such as Bearded Theory and Glastonbury, and this new single shows they aren’t about to stop anytime soon.
Landing just before the UK’s general election, at a politically volatile time where lots of people are feeling deeply disillusioned with all party options and the future of this country, ‘I Think You Should Leave,’ tackles negative attitudes towards their hometown of Belfast. Asked in an interview, “Why don’t you just leave?” the band felt compelled to dispel the idea that Northern Ireland is a bad or scary place, and wanted to make a song that explored it’s rich and complex history - after all, it is their home, and whilst that doesn’t mean it is perfect all the time, without it they never would have met and the band we know and love wouldn’t exist. Plus - if everyone progressive leaves, there will be no chance of tangible change. With nods to bands like Stiff Little Fingers, who paved the way for punk in Belfast, Problem Patterns have created a deeply empowering song that demonstrates a uniquely Irish patriotism, that instead of idolising the country as it is, promotes the idea that to love something is to encourage it to be at it’s best, and love it through its flaws but continue to push for it to develop and grow. As Stiff Little Fingers say in the song ‘Alternative Ulster,’ of which there is a reference to its riff in Bev’s solo, “Grab it and change it, it’s yours.”
‘I Think You Should Leave’ blends Problem Patterns' signature crunchy distortion on riffs that balance a sense of upbeat, danceable energy with a hint of melancholy - whilst beth’s drums hit sharp and hard, punchy and encouraging, there is a drop of hopelessness in the defiant repeating chorus, “everybody leaves, nothing changes, I’ll stay here and create the spaces.” There’s such nuance in their words that carries so much more weight than just an angry call to arms or a joyful love letter; there’s an awareness that this has been a long fight, and they may not see the change they want in their lifetimes, but that this is no reason to stop trying. As a band without a set front person, that regularly rotates roles when playing, this track sees each member do a verse: speaking their experience on the topic and getting an equal say. It gives us a fraction of an insight into the rich culture of Northern Ireland and the diverse range of people that call it home - living in Belfast is not a universal, one dimensional experience as suggested by those who don’t know it.
As the UK recovers from a tumultuous election, deep in the pits of a cost of living crisis, ‘I Think You Should Leave,’ is a stark reminder that determination, direct action and defiance is what brings about change, and a home is what you make it rather than just simply bricks and mortar. With the way Problem Patterns are going, with their intelligent writing that comments on serious issues in modern day society, it is clear they are dedicated to building a brighter future for all of us, and I truly can’t wait to see what that looks like.
Problem Patterns play 2000 Trees Festival this weekend, catch them on Friday 12th July at 12.30 on the Neu Stage. ‘I Think You Should Leave’ is available on all streaming platforms now.
