The Oozes at The Cavendish Arms

Words and Photos: Eerie Rose

Celebrating the release of their first new single in over two years, south east London’s own queercore art-punks The Oozes hosted a night of cabaret and chaos at The Cavendish Arms in Stockwell. Set against the venue’s Lynchian lino floor and red velvet curtains, a busy crowd of fans old and new gathered to see support slots from drag clowns Cabbage and Herr Maphrodite, which included unforgettable moments involving a pair of heely’s, whipping cream, Twilight, a pagaent mom, and a surprise set from everyone’s new favourite band All Maphrends. If you want to know more, you’re really going to have to see them both at a show soon - I can promise neither ever disappoint.

Also on the lineup was a set from Liv Wynter, a multidisciplinary artist who always uses their platform to centre politics and activism. Tracks such as ‘Violence’ explore the way marginalised and politicised identities reserve the right to defend themselves from the harm that is thrust upon them and remains one of my favourite songs, whilst Housework is an immensely moving track that looks at the work that goes into building communities, friendships and chosen families in spite of the world around us.

The Oozes of course delivered a high energy, impactful set with a full band, bringing in this era of new music with a bang. The new track ‘Pump Out Some Kids’ was received with great energy from the crowd, and is a song exploring the way bodies are reduced to their fertility, especially when it comes to trans people seeking hormones. It also comments on the overarching issue of medical misogyny, using frequently used arguments from TERF groups to demonstrate their ridiculous hypocrisy. The song is the first to be released from the band’s upcoming debut album, which is now available to pre-order now via Blowtorch Records.

Follow The Oozes on instagram for as-it-happens updates. Current upcoming shows, album pre-orders and more can be found here.