Dry Cleaning - "Unsmart Lady"

Photo by Steve Gullick

London's Dry Cleaning are set to release their debut album this Friday, but we can check out a new single before then. "Unsmart Lady" is a guitar noise heavy spoken word rant about body image. The monotone spoken vocals are reminiscent of The Velvet Underground, and the guitar riffs are straight from Geffen era Sonic Youth. Basically, it's elements of my college years mixed together, possibly just for me. Aside from "Unsmart Lady" bringing up memories of my college radio show, it's going to be beloved by many people that aren't me. It's hypnotic and aggressive in a way that demands you listen. Dry Cleaning aren't a band you listen to in the background. This is headphones on or full volume in your car listening.

Lyricist Florence Shaw says of the new song:

“’Fat podgy, non make-up’ – I was thinking about these things that are supposed to be a source of shame about your appearance and wanting to use them in a powerful way. Just trying to survive when you feel knackered and put-upon and shit about yourself, but you say, ‘I don’t care what I’m supposed to be.’”

You can watch the video for "Unsmart Lady" below. New Long Leg is due out April 2 on 4AD. You can pre-order your copy here. For more on Dry Cleaning, check them out on Facebook and Instagram.