Currently writing their third album in a secure location, ‘Joanna Gruesome’ have taken a weekend break from a relentless schedule of séances, psychic ceremonies and moonlight rituals to leak two singles from their “Peanut Butter” period. Songwriter Owen Williams explains: “While I was writing Peanut Butter, Saturn transitioned into retrograde and for obvious reasons I ended up losing two songs. We’ve recently managed to unearth them, record them and press them onto a 7″ single.”
The record features performances from new band members Roxy Gruesome (from the groups Towel, Two White Cranes, Grubs and formerly of Trust Fund) and Kate Gruesome (formerly of the queer punk group Pennycress).
“Pretty Fucking Sick (Of It All)” is a pop song about being pursued by intelligence operatives, partly influenced by the group’s recent U.S tour, in which the CIA took a special interest in the band’s movements.
“Occult Bookshop” is a pop song and origin story detailing the first meeting of the group.
Both songs are also about being non binary. Williams explains: “I wanted to write about the confused nature of my own gender identity and being non binary generally. But I also wanted two songs about Occult forces, espionage and using astrological means to strengthen, receive and administer crushes.”
Williams has failed to elaborate further , but a source close to the band has confirmed that listeners may be in danger of accessing “subtle realms of the unconscious” if the record is played on repeat. A rival source has warned of “dissonance, organs, shouting, occult content, pop melodies and ‘hardcore’ punk rock rhythms”.
The record includes a violin performance from Maria Marzaioli and was recorded by Rory Atwell on a boat in London. It features original artwork from Bart De Baets.
Available on limited edition blue vinyl 7″ b/w Occult Bookshop.
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