GHUM have confirmed details of their debut album Bitter, set to be released via Everything Sucks on June 17th. The London-based quartet – via Malaysia, Brazil and Spain – have also unveiled the lead single ‘Some People’, with a tongue in cheek video to accompany directed by Lydia Garnett (See below).
Vocalist Laura Guerrero Lora spoke more about the track and the varied influences on the video: “This song is about getting to know someone and having the fear of hurting them, because love has turned a bit hopeless and unexcitng. Not trusting oneself to be able to love someone after not falling in love for a long time. We wanted to have a bit of fun with a video that was diverse and inclusive. Lydia has created a visual world where a fun, camp narrative plays out. Taking inspiration from 90’s pop videos, John Waters movies and the recent Spice Girls documentary series, she created a humorous, unpredictable, queer-friendly world for us to live in.”
Since forming in 2016 and taking inspiration from bands like Warpaint and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the band have taken their time in producing a debut that they feel proud to put out. Initially, it seemed that success would come thick and fast after acclaim for their first two E.Ps – GHUM and The Coldest Fire – was widespread; but like many, the Pandemic slowed down the momentum they had gained, allowing them to reconsider their approach. Being in an all-female band was also important to them all from the beginning with bassist Marina quipping: “I’d played in an all-female band in the past which was MUCH more fun!”
Bitter promises to be a raw and ostensibly raucous collection of songs, but underpinned with heart and a wicked sense of humour. Some of the tracks on the album were re-writes of old unfinished songs, with new sonic swirls added for good measure. The collective excitement coming from the band is tangible as release looms large with Laura adding “The style of the songs all taste like GHUM. We recognise it when we’re jamming. We know what we’re doing now.” As early indications from ‘Some People‘ show , this is a band now at ease with it’s work and eager to proove themselves.
GHUM play London’s Sebright Arms on April 22nd before embarking on an extensive European tour.
Photo: Paul Phung
