Essex-based four-piece She’s In Parties have released their first single of the year, ‘Puppet Show’, via Submarine Cat Records. The energetic track critiques societal pressures surrounding image and performance. It is accompanied by a theatrical video directed by Eli Hart, featuring the band as marionettes and clowns controlled by an unseen puppeteer.
Alongside the single, the band has announced their second EP, Puppet Show, set for release on 25th October. Produced by Stephen Street (known for his work with The Cranberries and The Smiths), the EP blends 80s influences with experimental synth and guitar sounds.
In today’s social media-driven society, there is an expectation always to appear perfect and be constantly present online. Vocalist Katie Dillon expressed her struggles with these pressures, saying, “In the past I’ve felt pressure to have an online presence, and I wasn’t always confident and these were the times where I felt I just wanted to ignore all my problems and procrastinate. Pushing music through my online image isn’t something I find easy and this song reflects this psychological battle. Being present online isn’t really a choice anymore for musicians, and it’s not easy for those who struggle with their image but I’m learning to love myself more, accepting my insecurities and how I look, without fear of judgement.”
A stressful dream inspired Dillon’s song about losing teeth before a performance. “My teeth were decaying and falling out, and I knew I had to go on stage and perform, which was absolutely terrifying,” she explained. The song was written around this narrative, with me having to ‘smile’ and perform while also delving into a psychological battle.”
The EP Puppet Show is the band’s most politically charged work yet, addressing social media issues, wars, and personal anxieties. Dillon commented, “It’s a timeless topic. People have always and will always sing about injustices, often though, people want an escape and sing about things like love because sometimes that’s easier than telling the truth. I’m certainly not a political person and would opt for escapism in music, but sometimes there are things that happen in our society or on social media that you just can’t avoid.”
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She’s In Parties, known for their unique mix of shoegaze and dream-pop, comprises Katie Dillon (vocals/guitar), Herbie Wiseman (guitar), Matt Carman (drums), and Charlie Johnson (bass). Influenced by bands like Slowdive, Cocteau Twins, and The Cure, they blend nostalgia with a contemporary edge. Last year, they released their debut EP, End Scene and played in packed rooms alongside bands such as Bleach Lab, Deadletter, Panic Shack, and Hockey Dad. Their music has received significant broadcast acclaim, including features on BBC Radio and TV, Match of the Day and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The new EP, Puppet Show, is available for pre-save now.
Photo credit: Polocho
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