UK punkers The Menstrual Cramps have released their new single, “Body Politics,” and signed to Alcopop! Records. The band also announced headline shows in the new year, including Manchester Punk Fest, Outer Town Festival, and 2000 Trees. The song is based on a deeper political meaning of bodily autonomy and identity.
With quick drums and a strong beat, the song kicks in by repeating the title and includes, “Body politics/Gender is performative/I didn’t choose my gender it was placed on me.” Clocking in under three minutes, it’s a good old-fashioned pointed punk song that challenges the status quo.
Vocalist Emilia Elfrida says that she was inspired by U.S. philosopher Judith Butler’s thoughts on performative gender. The song is about “how gender constructs are forced upon us all, how capitalism reinforces gender stereotypes to benefit the patriarchal structure that thrives under it, and the need for true gender liberation in society. It’s also more personally about my own journey and relationship with my gender being very fluid,” according to Elfrida.
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The music video includes experiences from the group growing up in the 2000s. From teen magazines, advertising, changing styles, family, friends, and more, Elfrida says the music video is meant to be a way to express how they felt during that time when there wasn’t terminology for it yet.
To get tickets to their upcoming shows, visit their site.
Tour Dates:
- Nov. 7—Bristol, UK @ Thekla Bristol
- Nov. 10—Brighton, UK @ Arcobaleno (Femrock 10th Anniversary}
- Nov. 13—Cardiff, UK @ The Globe
- Nov. 17—Leeds, UK @ Wharfs Chambers (Nice as Pie Festival)
- Nov. 22—Bristol, UK @ Exchange
- Nov. 23—London, UK @ Oslo Hackney (Rock Against Violence)
- March 9—London, UK @ Birds Nest
- March 10—Brighton, UK @ Prince Albert
- March 29-31—Manchester, UK @ Manchester Punk Festival
- April 13—Bristol, UK @ Ill Repute (Outer Town Festival)
- July 10-13—Upcote Farm, UK2000 Trees Festival
