Voodoo Dolls Unleash Hilarious Chaos with Latest Single "Assassin Man"

Move over, James Bond – there's a new assassin in town, and he's far from suave. London-based post-punk/garage duo Voodoo Dolls, comprised of the dynamic Jack Lai and the cooler than cool Haru Shibata, have unleashed their latest single, "Assassin Man," and it's the musical equivalent of a slapstick comedy in ninja costumes.

The song's lyrics are as straightforward as they come, resembling the poetic genius of a middle-school doodle. "Assassin man, Assassin man, Why don't you listen to your old sensei?" screams Haru Shibata, the band's guitarist...and target of the lame assassin. The lyrics portray a protagonist with all the killer instincts of a marshmallow.

But let's be honest, it's this blatant lack of finesse that makes "Assassin Man" a gem. The simplicity of the lyrics, coupled with Voodoo Dolls' raw and unapologetic sound, creates an irreverent song that's impossible to take seriously – and that's precisely the point.



Enter the music video, a delightful creation by the emerging Nagoya-based JapAnime studio, Toio. Picture this: Jack and Haru transformed into anime avatars, embroiled in a surreal fight that's equal parts chaos and charm. Toio managed to encapsulate the essence of the song, turning it into a visual feast that unfolds like a manga on steroids.

The video showcases Jack Lai's lame assassin attempts, armed with drumsticks as his weapon of choice. It's a hilarious journey of failure that mirrors the song's absurdity. Meanwhile, Haru Shibata, the guitarist with typical manga-style superpowers, jumps, and shoots laser in the most anime fashion imaginable.

The creative process behind the video was no walk in the park. Crafting a japanese style anime that captures the essence of Voodoo Dolls' irreverence and humor took time. But the wait was undoubtedly worthwhile.

"Assassin Man" may not be your typical spy thriller, but it's an infectious earworm that you'll find yourself humming despite its anti-heroic message. Voodoo Dolls, with their quirky style and raw sound, have delivered a musical and visual experience that's as fun as it is unexpected. So, grab your drumsticks, and join the ranks of the lame assassins with Voodoo Dolls. It's a mission you won't want to miss.

Edited by user 09 February 2024 17:08:46(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

**Exploring the unferground Universe of Jugendstil's "Fenklup"**

London-based band Jugendstil has just unleashed their debut album, "Fenklup". Formed by the duo Tim Green and Daniel Hayes, the band's lineup expanded with the addition of French singer Eloïse Desrosiers and Dutch bass player Elke Hoekstra, whose haunting backing vocals add an eerie layer to the band's unmistakable sound.

The album's title, borrowed from a vintage Dutch TV show, sets the tone for an exploration that defies any attempt to define their influences.

"Fenklup" is not merely a collection of tracks; it's a carefully crafted piece that required extensive time in the studio. The undeniable touch of a DIY and handmade process gives the album a unique character that sets it apart in the contemporary music scene.


(Daniel Hayes and Elke Hoekstra)

Jugendstil's sound is a blend of hypnotic rhythms, vintage electronic instruments, and Desrosiers' unique monotone vocals delivering lyrics in both English and French. This amalgamation creates a musical entity that looks like nothing else, with influences reaching across Krautrock, 60's French music, and post-rock.

Eloïse Desrosiers takes the helm as the lyricist, drawing inspiration from surrealism, situationism, and avant-garde authors. Her lyrics delve into societal critiques, exploring the urge to revolt against oppressive systems. However, Jugendstil adamantly resists being labeled a political band with protest songs; instead, they see themselves as an art object, a sentiment reinforced by the quality of the album's cover art, meticulously designed for vinyl collectors.

The album kicks off with a five-minute headbanger, "Chambord Pogo", introducing Eloïse's voice after a hypnotic instrumental sequence of nearly four minutes. The standout track, "Antisong 74", serves as the first single, addressing Jugendstil's recurrent theme—the struggle against alienation. "Fragile Human Defenses" follows, exploring how we communicate to conceal imperfections in a world driven by image. Elke Hoekstra's serene harmonies provide a perfect falsetto counterpoint to Desrosiers' deep voice, creating a dynamic interplay.


(Tim Green and Eloïse Desrosiers)

"Doo Dah Agitator" emphasizes the interaction between the two vocalists, while "Monastic Static," an instrumental interlude with a hypnotic riff and retro sounds from a vintage mellotron. The title track, "Fenklup," dives into Desrosiers' philosophical inclinations, exploring Cornélius Castoriadis's idea that the possibility of another society is an illusion, driven by our own ambitions.

The exploration of political and philosophical subjects continues with "The Thinkin' and the Doin'" and "Fractal Mind of a Crowd", sung in French and inspired by Gustave LeBon's "Psychology of a Crowd." The album concludes with the two Head Bangers "Mothlight" (borrowing its title to a movie from avant-garde director Stan Brakhage), and "Neon Pink Bike" where the listenner embark on a ride where freedom is just an illusion.

Jugendstil, signed to Head South Records, is not aiming for mainstream charts. Instead, they present themselves as a niche band, adept at mixing genres and possessing a strong musical and vocal identity with a huge load of diverse inspirations.

Listen to Antisong 74

**Tracklist:**
1. Chambord Pogo
2. Antisong 74
3. Fragile Human Defenses
4. Doo-Dah Agitator
5. Monastic Static
6. Fenklup
7. The Thinkin' and the Doin'
8. Fractal Mind of a Crowd
9. Mothlight
10. Neon Pink Bike

Edited by user 12 March 2024 19:02:15(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

**Head South Falls for Hana Rahman: Debut Single "Wanna Die in Birmingham" Breaks Boundaries**

Alright, we love all our artists here at Head South, but every now and then, someone comes along who just blows us away with their raw talent and unique perspective. Hana Rahman is one of those artists. When we met her, it was clear she had that rare quality—an ability to rise above her troubles with grace and charm, while crafting music that breaks boundaries. Her debut single, "Wanna Die in Birmingham," is here, and it's everything we hoped for and more.

Born in Birmingham with Indonesian roots, Hana's life has been anything but easy. She experienced a rough childhood and the profound loss of her father as a teenager. Raised by her mother, Hana found strength in music. Starting out as a DJ in Birmingham, she’s now breaking into the wider music scene with a pure low tempo dub / reggae track.



"Wanna Die in Birmingham" is inspired by Hana’s struggles to integrate into UK society and her drive for revenge against the hardships she's faced. The track boasts a strong urban identity, layering Indonesian voices with the ambient sounds of city life, all wrapped up in a smooth dub rhythm. Hana’s ability to channel her experiences into such a poignant and powerful piece is nothing short of remarkable.

The lyrics of "Wanna Die in Birmingham" are a raw and honest portrayal of Hana's journey. They speak to the pain of exclusion and racism she faced growing up in Birmingham, a city that never really welcomed her, as a kid.

In "Wanna Die in Birmingham," Hana challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about belonging and identity. Her music is not just a fusion of genres, but a fusion of her life's experiences.This track is just the beginning for Hana Rahman, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of the Head South family.

Listen to the track here

Edited by user 25 June 2024 07:19:34(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Erich: head south cheaps out on event clowns and passes the savings on to you!

Erica: I don't believe that man has ever been clown college.