The Bristolian3-piece draws on punk and indie rocktraditions lacedwith folklore-ish grunge to create a unique sound. With subject-matter often on the more grisly side, Wych Elmwill have a strong allure for those roaming the sonic sphere forfresh music off the beaten track. Wych Elm had major success with their 2017 ‘School Shooter’single, and can already boast two albums in their oeuvre since 2019.

Witha sardonic spin on patriarchal ideology, ‘Virgin Mary’opens witha bathroom-esque, echoeytimbre and stripped back instrumentals:

I was made to be weak and that’s what I am/                                                                    He is my shepherd and I am his lamb/                                                                                   I was made to be in pain, that’s what I’ll endure/                                                            Give birth to your sons, premature.

The chorus speaks to the female experience, with the protagonist regurgitating societal expectations, such as the pain of childbirth ora woman’s value being based in chastity:

Be the Virgin Mary/                                                                                                               Be the lamb to the slaughter/                                                                                                He said you can’t lose your innocence/                                                                             Or you’ll have nothing left to offer.

The narrative is flipped later, with the protagonist retaliating:

Why do I have to suffer/                                                                                                        To be fucking respected/                                                                                                       Being a woman is a wound/                                                                                               That keeps getting infected.

Virgin Mary is largely sung witha measured, conservative rhythm, giving it a taunting sense of creepiness. The vocals have a contained fury to them which leadto an explosion of emotion in the repetition of the chorus which finishes the song, ending with a screech of guitar feedback.

Self-described as playing menacing and grungy indie rock, ‘Virgin Mary’epitomises Wych Elm’s style, and is a good place to start if you’re just getting acquainted with the band.

‘Virgin Mary’was released on 25 October and is part of their upcoming and third EP ‘Field Crow’, which will be released on 10 November.

They have upcoming tour dates in Bradford and Manchester on 14 and 15 November, as well as London, Nottingham and Bristol later this month.