by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Things seem to be forever changing for Dublin’s M(h)aol, a band in a constant state of flux since their breakthrough album, Attachment Styles. They’ve lost two of the pivotal members involved in shaping their sound and yet they push on undeterred, continuously exceeding expectations. Members come and go, but their ethos remains in tact, M(h)aol are a feminist band through and through, fighting for space in an industry that’s all too often condescending. Eight months after the release of their last single, the band return with the hypnotic “Snare,” a song tangled in detached grooves and pointed lyrics.
Ringing with distortion and a minimalist structure, the band dive into sustained noise and clamoring beats, the swirling momentum of the song erupting with a deadpan intensity. “Snare” is aimed at the men who feel the need to talk down to female musicians, as though they know better, when in fact, they’re simply macho assholes. Constance Keane isn’t here to suffer these types as she once did growing up, noted in the opening verse, “You know I stopped cause you said it’s too masculine. Why not play something soft like piano or violin? I know now what I didn't know at nine, you’re talking shit and you're wasting your own time.”
Speaking about the track, Keane says:
“‘Snare’ is about countless conversations I’ve had since my first drum lesson on my ninth birthday about how bizarre it is that I play that instrument, or how I should be doing it differently. The idea of society gendering an inanimate object like a drum kit, when it’s something that brings me so much joy and release, has always frustrated me hugely, and I thought it was time to sing about it.”
The band will return to the US for a few select shows in March:
03/09 - Brooklyn, NY @ TV Eye
03/15 - Los Angeles, CA @ Permanent Records
03/17 - Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project
“Snare” is out everywhere via Merge Records.