Words by Ursa Gregson
The Queen's Head have returned with their second (see how I didn't write 'sophomore'? It really is that easy) single, produced by Lord Dan Carey at Speedy Wunderground and released by said label as part of their new limited 7" series, joining the glistening ranks of rock bands such as Black Squid, New Midi etc.
Photo credit: Chloe Gilbert
True to form The Queen's Head's new baby is a complete clusterfuck. Pulled off brilliantly. Kylie Minogue is flogging a brace of heavy-browed end-times preachers at the Hacienda whilst Tony Allen holds it the fuck down at the back. You love it. Brooding, afrobeat-via-Underworld beginnings degenerate (ascend?) into a freight train of death-disco so unrelenting that I simply lay prostrate on the floor and let The Queen's Head barrel into my coin-slot. Well done. Anything this wildly careering of course requires either a steadfast bassline (courtesy of co-frontman Tom Butler) or an undeniable vocoder-tinged pop hook (courtesy of co-frontman Joel Douglas) to tie it down to the sopping deck (this single throws caution to the wind and chucks both in).
For those unacquainted with the band’s brand of esoteric eclectic pop, The Queen's Head are a five piece from South London - made up of Joel Douglas (vox/guitar), Tom Butler (vox/bass), Robbie Cottom (keys), Mike Hendry (guitar) and George Thompson (drum/percussion) - making alternative music about modern anxieties. Blending elements of post-punk, noise-rock, disco and modern dance music, wrapped in a familiar verse-chorus pop structure, the resulting sound is simultaneously enchanting and terrifying.
'Your God Owes You Money' Artwork
Of 'Your God Owes You Money' the group write: "We are a band interested in world-building, with our process normally meticulous, pouring over tiny production and song-writing details. Taking 'Your God Owes You Money' into Dan Carey's space and method was a deliberate attempt to disrupt our complacencies. We played live, welcomed error and followed improvised ideas, under Dan's guiding hand. The version of this song we produced in just a day hopefully captures the rage and range of our live show - a direct glimpse into the band, what we believe and our frailties as self-confessed performers. An honour, a privilege and a wholly enjoyable day amidst Dan's Aladdin's cave."
The genie, sirs, is out of the lamp.
Listen to/watch 'Your God Owes You Money' here
The Queens Head live dates:
2022 Shows
14th April | London, UK - Sebright Arms
29th April | London, UK - The Windmill