Regressive Left are a somewhat mysterious trio that emerged last year with the intoxicating debut single “Eternal Returns”, and return today to shift out of the shadows to deliver another tremendous single called “Take The Hit”. The band escaped London for Stevenage shortly before lockdown, and in their new location have had time to reflect on modern maladies infesting society. About “Take The Hit”, they say:
“‘Take The Hit’ is about how neoliberalism acts as a shield for irresponsible politicians and greedy profiteers – as we try to disentangle the complex web of capitalism to find the spider at its heart, we end up instead blaming the countless flies that have been trapped along the way.”
On the new single there’s absolutely no denying the dissatisfied and sneering attitude that Regressive Left have towards the methods of the current UK government, but, impressively, they manage to keep those prickly feelings present while also constructing an unshakeably groovy track. Will Crosby’s guitar and Georgia Hardy’s drums are taut and propulsive, with an incessant for rhythm that shoots straight for the hips. Simon Tyrie’s electronics wobble and tickle over this, giving “Take The Hit” some light amidst the grit, and in his voice his a David Byrne-esque knack for characteristically oozing around the beat while not letting any of his potent words get lost. Overall, it adds up to an invigorating whole, a refreshing method of protest music just when we need it most.
Find “Take The Hit” on streaming platforms or watch the visualizer below.
There’s hopefully more to come from Regressive Left soon. They’ve announced a date at the Brixton Windmill on October 1, which is sure to be smashing – tickets here.
