Originating from the vibrant music scene in Brighton, with punk shows taking place in pubs with sea views, it wasn’t long before PUSSYLIQUOR infiltrated the London underground. Becoming firm fixtures across lineups in both cities, they pull a dedicated crowd who often commute to see them as much as they would travel to play. Known for their reliably enjoyable shows, the band consistently bought chaotic punk balanced with sleek professionalism. After a string of well-received singles and EPs, and gigs played all over, PUSSYLIQUOR took a short break before making a triumphant return to live shows at our 5.18 Magazine issue 4 launch party at Avalon Cafe last summer. It felt like new life had been breathed not only back into the band, but into their fans, and the scene in general - there’s palpable excitement brewing around these lot, and it’s far reaching - they’re in Taipei as this article is being written, booked to play at Pipe Live Music, then onto Taiwan music festival followed by two shows in Tokyo, Japan.

As what feels like a reward for our patience, PUSSYLIQUOR dropped their new EP, It’s PUSSYLIQUOR, not rocket science! on March 30th, celebrated with two vibrant shows in London and Brighton with copies on CD for the first people through the door, and fun and games into the night (literally - they played party games like pass the parcel). Just like they do onstage, PUSSYLIQUOR injects the music they make with a unique charisma, unmistakable humour, anger and apathy that combines into a whirlwind of energy that is truly unforgettable.

The EP kicks off with punchy ‘apathy.’ which sets the scene as it is right now, a really tricky time to be alive let alone trying to make music. BUY MORE SHIT is a wonderful commentary on consumerism, including a parody of barbie girl which just perfectly captures PUSSYLIQUOR’s ability to make serious points with their own hint of dark humour. This is followed by Pesticide, an unapologetic whirlwind of classic PUSSYLIQUOR sound. Finishing up with the epic Hit Song! the band kick back at a comment they got in a smoking area from some bloke offering unsolicited advice on how to write a hit song. Guitars are heavy throughout and sound massive, with gritty crunchy bass and unrelenting drums that maintain energy consistently, while vocals sound echoey and mixed in a slightly more buried way that really harks back to original 70s punk. The intensity of the band's collective sound drives the EP forward, a vigorous collection of songs that amplify the energy of rebellion through every aspect as well as their lyrics. It’s also their friendship in real life that pushes their message - a group of genuine mates, the way they interact on stage, despite working in a music industry and time period that makes a lot of people crumble…they’re still here, still having shits and giggles and that is rebellion in itself.

Whilst they stay true to elements of a traditionally riot grrrl sound, PUSSYLIQUOR can’t be pigeonholed. Able to combine a mix of influences from hardcore to old school punk, they write music that captures the nuances and complexities of being a person existing in the world, not only focused in on feminism but expanding that to be truly intersectional, covering topics from bodily autonomy and misogyny to the political landscape in the UK. You couldn’t have a better or more PUSSYLIQUOR comeback - a wonderfully catchy, musically sharp but not taking itself too seriously, massive banger of an EP, for what really is a triumphant return to releasing music. This is a band that absolutely don’t need any advice from random men in smoking areas - when it comes to writing hit songs…PUSSYLIQUOR have got it covered.

Follow PUSSYLIQUOR for news about upcoming shows and listen to the EP on Spotify here.