Monday, October 14, 2024

Punk, Politics and No F*cks: Daffodildos and their Debut EP ‘Not My Cup Of Tea’

Driven by a trio on a mission to confront cis-heteronormative and patriarchal perspectives, Daffodildos presents their latest EP, ‘Not My Cup of Tea.’ This collection blends intense chord progressions with passionate vocals, creating powerful anthems and thought-provoking lyrics that herald a renewed wave of punk energy and emotion.

Formed by front person Emily Flea, previously of The Fleas, in 2021, and Captain Jax of No See Ums, the duo quickly began writing songs addressing the issues most important to their community and immediately made an impact. Having known each other for years and sharing a common ethos, they reached out to drummer Anni Von Flange, formerly of Boot Sale/Vanilla Giver, completing the Daffodildos line-up.

‘Stuck in ’77’ launches the album with unfiltered punk energy, featuring a vibrant guitar arrangement that comes alive. It captures the quintessential attitude of the ’70s punk scene while bringing it into the present, serving as a bold challenge to the older generation with fiery lyrics like, “We’re the future, not you / You’re gonna be dead soon”.

‘Mirror Mirror’ is a witty track that playfully critiques vanity and the pressure to conform to specific images, particularly within the queer community. This is highlighted in the lyrics: “Where’s your six-pack? / Where’s your beard? / You’re not gay! / Get out of here.” Emily Flea’s vocals, combined with the fast-paced instrumentals, create an infectious energy that captures the essence of punk.

‘Never Enough’ explores themes of addiction and the desire that comes with it. Emily Flea’s vocal performance conveys both vulnerability and vexation, amplified by the repetition of the chorus: “It’s never enough / It’s never enough / It’s never enough”. From start to finish, ‘Never Enough’ radiates energetic momentum. The strong instrumentals, marked by distorted riffs and a relentless drumbeat, accelerate the chord progression and the intensity of sharp-edged melodies. This combination captures the essence of punk and its rebellious spirit while delivering a profound and impactful message.

‘No Pride’ addresses the queer experience, emphasising the need for year-round support for the cause and criticising how capitalism exploits Pride for profit.  ‘No Pride’ conveys this message with both empathy and bitterness through heartfelt and fiery lyrics like, “We’re here / We’re queer / We’ll be fighting for our rights all our life / Not just once a year”. 

Daffodildos further delves into these themes in ‘No Pride’ by using a non-conformist style, characterised by stripped-down instrumentation, heavily distorted riffs, and a fast tempo. This combination creates a high-energy, hard-hitting track with a lo-fi approach that adds authenticity and a sense of protest, championing real issues and challenging various political landscapes.

‘What’s Your Excuse’ tackles the topic of meat consumption, offering a sharp critique. The message unfolds over a funky bass line and commanding drums, accompanied by passionate guitar riffs. Daffodildos cleverly incorporate rhetorical questions like, “But where are you going to get your protein from?” as if drawing from personal experience. Emily Flea’s passionate vocals amplify the message, delivering pointed rhetorical questions such as, “What’s your excuse? / I’ll never get my head around it,” giving the track an intense, thought-provoking edge.

Daffodildos burst onto the scene with their debut EP, ‘Not My Cup Of Tea’, fuelled by raw punk energy and a spirit of anarchy. Drawing from the legacy of British punk, the trio delivers infectious and innovative tracks that effortlessly blend political and personal themes and narratives


Ana Joy King

@anajoyking

Image: 'Not My Cup Of Tea' Official EP Cover 


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