Rising post-punks Loose Articles have released alternative Euro 2020 anthem Kick Like A Girl, which reminds us that football’s not just for men.
The band’s third offering, its release was timed to coincide with the day the Covid-delayed tournament gets underway.
Loose Articles are Natalie Wardle (vocals/bass), Tree Nah (vocals/guitar), Erin Caine (guitar) and Louise Rivett (drums).
The four-piece from Manchester are a band who describe themselves as ‘feminine and threatening, working and class’.
They self-released their debut EP Orchid Lounge in 2019, which confirmed them as one of the most abrasive, exciting and talked-about bands in the city.
Signing to local indie label Dipped In Gold, they released their next single, the double A-side Up The Disco/Buses, in February this year.
After having their say on club culture and social anxieties on public transport, they are now tackling the narrow-minded mindset of some men towards women and football.
Kick Like A Girl, recorded at Brassica Studios, Mossley, was produced by Eoghan Clifford (Cabbage) and Chris Stockton (sound for Peter Hook, The Blinders and Cabbage).
A strident slice of post-punk which uses repetition and discord to good effect, it’s a two-fingered response to those who believe football is just for lads.
It urges female fans: “Down ya Stella, and cop off with a fella, it’s football!” and is available on all streaming platforms now.
They say of the new song: “It’s a misogynistic slur which is said in football to a male player who’s not performing as well.
“It suggests that women can’t play football, but we’re reclaiming that slur and throwing it back in people’s faces.
“We want to take these stereotypes within football and turn them on their head.”
Football and its culture have played a large part in Loose Articles’ lives. The band are all fans of non-league club FC United of Manchester, and Louise and Erin are both keen players.
As football fans, they feel so strongly about social issues surrounding the game, especially towards women.
Talented players
“The fact that women in football who make headlines are usually cat-fighting WAGs rather than some of the really talented players we’ve got here.
“The Lionesses have made the semi-finals in the last two World Cups, as well as the semis in the last Euros, but you never hear about that.”
BBC DJ Steve Lamacq has already championed Loose Articles through his Radio 6 Music show.
They also made the essential NME 100 list for 2021, and received funding and support from Manchester International Festival (MIF).
Loose Articles Confirmed Fixtures for 2021
July 13th – Manchester International Festival – With Billy Nomates FREE ENTRY
24th July – Cloudspotting Festival
31st July – Kendal Calling Festival
13th August – YES, Manchester – SOLD OUT
18th August – The Windmill, London – supporting Document
30th August – Shacklewell Arms – Debut London Headline Show
4th September – Manchester Psych Festival
11th September – Futurama Festival, Liverpool
23rd October – Karma Weekender, Nottingham
28th October – Castle Hotel, Manchester – supporting Sprints
9th November – The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool – supporting Sprints
