Dublin and Manchester-based punk/alternative duo Grave Goods have released their new single, Remains. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Comprised of Lois MacDonald (PINS) and Sarah Grimes (September Girls, Girls Names), their new single follows their 2022 debut album, Tuesday. Nothing Exists.
“We felt ready to make some new music,” Lois says. “The lyrics are about the feelings of living in an age of constant change. The total instability that Mark Fisher described in 2009 and trying to navigate this and find peace and love amongst the chaos.”
The single is accompanied by a video directed and designed by Lois, with videography by Georgiana Ghetiu.
“With some of the tracks I get a really strong visual idea often inspired by the lyrics or particular rhythm,” says Lois. “It’s usually based around a character, and I love making the outfits and props by hand and seeing the concept come to life.”
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Lois: We’re based between Dublin and Manchester, we write and record at the same time in short spaces of time, I’m an existentialist.
How would you describe your music?
Lois: Post-punk, but we’ve also being described as Sartre-rock, which we like.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Lois: I think the energy we write with is based in original post-punk groups from the 80s like The Fall, Second Layer, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Sonic Youth, but we definitely also take inspiration from newer artists like Gilla Band, model/actriz, mandy, indiana. Lyrically, I am really inspired by certain books that capture my imagination – usually around what it means to be human. Recently I’ve been really into Narcissus and Goldmund, which has made me think a lot about the duality of existence and the balance of sorrow and joy, dream and reality.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Lois: My first show was The Backyard Babies at the Hop and Grape in Manchester. I was still at secondary school and it was completely amazing to be in this room full of people that got music in the same way I did. It was the first time I’d experienced that feeling and I’m still addicted to it now.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Lois: Honestly, I’m not sure because my friend used to burn CDs and share them out, and they would be Korn, Green Day, Offspring. I think the first one I paid for was The Great Escape by Blur.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Sarah: I’ve been listening to Radie Peat’s new single, Still I Love Him, on repeat. I love how the song opens so sparsely that you’re pulled in to see how the story plays out. The incredible layered vocals and subtle instrumentation really grab your attention and stops you in your tracks.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Lois: I Can’t Escape Myself by The Sound. To me this is about accepting yourself, facing the good and the bad bits head on and knowing yourself.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sarah: Pull Out The Pin by Kate Bush. I find this song so multifaceted and get something new on each listen.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Alan Corr