I'm Bent - The Reviews

 

Diario de Shows @diariodeshows "NOW PLAYING: 9 o'clock Nasty released at the end of July her new single “I'm Bent” in an extremely powerful and impactful way with a very reflective message about society and the parameters it imposes on what and who we should be and they question: “Can someone different love and be loved?”"

The Other Side @theothersidereviews "“A wonderful anthem for the different, this track takes everything we have come to love about the band, mashes it together and injects it into your veins… There is a passion that has been woven into every note of the track as the music moves from a shiver of live energy to a smooth slide. Throughout the melody, the band brings a touch of old-school punk rock to something that is utterly unique and the essence of the band…. With a punk rock attack, 9 o’clock Nasty set their sights on the ideas society pushes on us, while creating an inclusive space for everything that is different in ‘I’m Bent’. The music captures everything that we love about the band and turns it all the way up to eleven. Through the music, they edge into anthemic territory while helping us embrace everything that makes us unique.”

Senocular @senocularmedia "9 o’clock Nasty are a band that fuse multiple styles of rock, punk, indie, and garage rock into their own blend of nastiness. Their latest single, “I’m Bent,” build upon the nasty and takes it to ultimate levels. Rugged riffs with an anthemic chorus make “I’m Bent” a great end of summer celebration song."

The Biggest Channel @brbbsamuel "...“I’m Bent” track makes my body remembers the sensation of the beloved annual county fair, that one ride I thought I could handle in the pain and strain of maturing. It seemed like an inescapable rite of passage...  I just can’t stand on the outside of this song, assessing it from a distance. It’s an immersive experience. Let’s all dive into this euphoric sound!"

Pigeon Opinion @musicreviews_bypigeon ""I'm Bent" opens boldly with flashy heavy riffs and immediately throws the hook in your face! Here they bring to the table the ironic songwriting and charisma of using and abusing distinctive group vocals popularized by bittersweet indie legends Pavement in the 90s! In the second half, fast key-based refinements stand out that perfect this promising underground group that stays more than true to its garage and rebellious roots!"

Headbangers News @headbangersnews_br The single brings the classic form used by the band, very eclectic with unusual sounds and references to alternative rock from the 90's with good references to grunge, garage rock, pop and indie. The song has an oldschool sound and powerful riffs, where the vocals come together in full force. The song arrives with a music video that looks like it was pulled from MTV's top 10 in the 90s, exuding energy and true rock'n'roll attitude in fighting prejudice and defending minorities. 9 o'clock Nasty mesmerizes the listener and captivates him with all the charisma and inimitable sense of humor of this band.

Music City Pulse @musiccitypulse "9 o'clock represents the new emerging sound of the music scene that is daring, refreshing, and fearless to be who they are. There’s no expectation or stress in their sound or any attempt to try to be any other artists than theirselves. They do their own thing and they make their name for it.. I'm Bent is a song where everything seems to be in the right place.”

Rising Artists   @risingartists.musicblog “Serious question…have you been living under a rock? If you’re not aware of 9 o’clock Nasty’s 6th release this year than clearly you have been sharing living space with Patrick Star. “I’m Bent” is the latest release from the weirdest trio to come out of Leicester, UK and keeping true to who they are, it’s gritty and has hints of classic rock and some psychedelia.. It’s clear that these gents whistle to the beat of their own tune, they seem to not care what anyone thinks and them or their music. This has shown a huge positive response to listeners like you, listeners who aren’t like the “normal” and are deemed as different. If that’s the case, “I’m Bent” is the anthem you will need.”

FV Music Blog @fvmusicblog "The brilliant Leicester-based band 9 O’CLOCK NASTY are back with their engaging and addictive song ‘I’m Bent’. It is a single with hard-hitting lyrics, and memorable melodies which are executed in 9 O’CLOCK NASTY’s formidable style."

OS Garotos De Liverpool @gdltudosobremusica “Delivering all their punk/garage/classic rock identity, with a totally energetic atmosphere, heavy guitars, beautiful riffs, drums even keyboards that give a more classic touch to the work, they present high voltage music that does not allow us to stay still for even a second, whether moving our bodies or shaking our heads involuntarily while writing this news post.”

Send Me Your Ears @SendMeYourEars “9 o’clock Nasty are following their own path and picking up some dedicated fans along the way. I’m Bent may well be our favourite so far from 9 o’clock Nasty. They describe the song as “an anthem for the different”. 9 o’clock Nasty are passionate about kindness, respect and inclusion and I’m Bent is a fun and inclusive song whose message needs to be heard around the world. I’m Bent is an exhausting blast of energy, condensed into 2 minutes and 46 seconds of in your face attitude.”

Roadie Music @roadiemusicmag “AMAZING how they release so much material and the quality is always brutal! One of our editors (Fabiano Menon) proclaimed the following sentence: “if Frank Zappa were alive today, 9 o’clock Nasty would be his partner band”. And we signed below, simply brilliant madness! …. We can't forget to mention the angry, lugubrious, vibrant and striking vocals, a great hallmark of this powerful institution that is 9 o'clock Nasty! The abrupt encore, loaded with feedback, says a lot about the creative potential of this overwhelming trio.”

Fame Magazine @famemagazine "“In a world where it seems to be drilled into us constantly that there are certain parameters you should fit in order to be an acceptable human – things like appearance, age, race, gender, sexuality – 9 O’Clock Nasty gamely tackles these narrow standards, flips them on their head and poses the question “Can someone different love and be loved?” The answer is an unapologetically and defiantly shouted affirmative, accompanied by wailing guitars, growling bass and tight, energetic drums.

Make sure to stream the rambunctious feel-good riot that is I’m Bent “

Edgar Allan Poets @edgarallanpoets "I’m Bent will make you feel like the girls on roller skates who served hamburgers in the 70s. This song winks at the classic rock. A bit of Beach Boys together with Lynyrd Skynyrd obviously seasoned with the fascinating strangeness of these guys from Leicester. By now this band has created their signature sound and they can also explore new genres but the foundations are so solid that their music is always recognizable no matter what they do. One thing I have never mentioned is the covers and the videos. The psychedelic universe created by the 9 o’clock Nasty is also evident in the visual part of their project…always bizarre and brilliant. I’m Bent is a nice wild ride that will leave you in your underwear like Zuckerberg on the cover."

Sinusoidal @sinusoidal.music “Their sound is always unique, and riffs have laced within it a small amount of nostalgia. When I say laced, it’s calculated-like a Cosby decimal. Anyway, I digress from writing a splendid review for their latest rock track. 9 o’clock Nasty maintain that silky fuzz from radio tracks you would hear, especially when you drove at the countryside. To hide incriminating evidence. This is just another track that boils down their inspirations into one consolidated piece…It’s philosophical, so buckle in. 

MangoWave Reviews @mangowavereviews "Like a heavyweight steam roller, 9 o’clock nasty plough through beauty palaces, gyms, boutiques, and bars. The rubble they leave behind is covered in love and rainbows, and it contains the one important message: you’re beautiful, and you should dance and work out to this tune."

We Write About Music @wewriteaboutmusic “Says the band on their description of the song, it’s a “bizarre mix of drunken Roxy Music and sober Nirvana kick their way out of the speakers, lick your face and steal your beer.” There’s no way we could describe it better than they could, but that’s because it’s perfect. Through loud shouts, head banging, crunchy guitars, and an immense enthusiasm, this song is ideally tailored for a night out on the town. Whether you’re gearing up to go out or coming back from a wild night, let “I’m Bent” serve as the theme song to your evening and life.“

Less than 1000 Followers @jpgchief “I’m Bent does not fall short in the list of Nasty bangers, as it is an anthem for the different. A celebration of life, love, sexuality, gender, race, and even age. Polishing their sound while still staying true to their roots, the Leicester trio is blending all they love and represent… the chorus  hits before we even realize what’s going on. It is a big, powerful sound, with the Nasty energy we’ve all grown to love. Wailing guitars, smacking drums, growling bass, and a lot of vocals! Brilliant”

@darkstrudel “Fuck. They did it. After so many experiments, twists and leaps in different directions, finally we have a 9 o’clock Nasty song that brings together all the elements into one two-minute assault. Pure Nasty. Everything is set to full on attack. A bizarre mix of drunken Roxy Music and sober Nirvana kick their way out of the speakers, lick your face and steal your beer.” 

I'm Bent

    

Available at > YouTube | Amazon Music | Spotify | Apple Music

I'm Bent is the July 2022 single by 9 o'clock Nasty.

Listening Notes

Too old? Too skinny? Wrong hair? Wrong teeth? Too straight? We're all a bit too much in one direction or another. We're all bent, but the rollercoaster of society's ideas of perfection and the juggernaut of advertising keep bashing with that relentless beat. Stop dancing to it. Push back and find love. 

Copyright 2022 9 o'clock Nasty

Pete Brock Guitar and vocals

Ted Pepper Bass and vocals

Sydd Spudd Drums

Words to sing to

I love your hair

Your face is great

I love your smile

You make me laugh

You're so hot

I'd do you lots

I love your hands

I think we could but

But I'm bent & it's hard

There's just too many many miles to go

I'm bent & it's hard

For me to do you too

Your voice is nice

So's your nose

Your private parts

Are good enough for me

I think we'd rock

I think we'd roll

Your past is clear

No ex is killing me

But I'm bent & it's hard

There's just too many many miles to go

I'm bent & it's hard

For me to do you too

Team Player: the Reviews are Coming In

 

Illustrate @illustratemagazine "Team Player’s first beat is a monster.… the bass enters, it contrasts the vocals with its slow cadence and almost sensual, enticing tones ingeniously binds the rest of the sounds together. …the chorus, which hits hard in a catchy tune that will grab you with the band’s charisma and distinct sense of humor.  They create music for the world’s oddities and geeks, following their inclinations boldly."

Red Rock Magazine @redrockmagazine "We all know the energy that goes behind a Nine o’clock Nasty song. It’s loud, boisterous and in your face. It’s unapologetic and full of unrelenting pizzazz. This song encapsulates all that is great about Nine o’clock Nasty. This song in particular feels as if its written just for the outsiders of this world. Those of us that have long felt misunderstood by mainstream society. This song is cathartic in a way as it gives the energy and message telling us its ok to just be ourselves. Nine o’clock Nasty is here to stand high atop the mountain waving the freak flag for us."

Plastic Magazine @plasticmgzn "9 o’clock Nasty are an alternative rock outfit that takes a side-eyed look at the world and punishes it with their driving beats and mild sarcasm. With their trademark sound of gritty guitar work, energising rhythms and often tongue-in-cheek lyricism, they’ve carved out a reputation as an exciting UK rock band offering a new sound.... a razor-sharp and punching sound, on their most recent single they deliver a swaggering rock cut with tinges of old school hip hop in it’s vocal delivery and sonic aesthetic."

Indie O'Clock @indieoclock "Before their sound was full on and chaotic, for this one they did something more experimental, technically speaking, they are making a style of punk that we can say is neo punk, they are the new voice of the genre and represent very well a fresh movement. In fact, they represent rock as a whole very well.... It takes us to the '80s amid frantic guitar riffs and constant beats. They make us electrify with the live sound of the guitar. The vocal is solid, striking, makes us vibrate, connects us to the idea of the guitar. Psychedelic and punk, comes close to the end and increases the atmosphere."

Ace of Swords @ace_of_swords.co "uncompromising, full of character and with a message that gets in your face for a couple of minutes and then makes room for whatever comes next."

Headbangers News @headbangersnews_br "9 o'clock Nasty continue to explode our speakers with their wonderful and strange releases. Never satisfied the band continues to release another work ... in a short period of time. The group works hard and loves what they do."

Rock Era @rockeramag "the song starts with a powerful, in-your-face intro, with a cool horn sound in the back with a sick beat and an elaborate, vibrant guitar line. The music takes you to unexpected places and unusual approaches in vocals and interpretation as if they broke free from their comfort zone."

Pigeon Opinion @pigeon_opinion "After running the underground with a brilliantly cartoony hook on the hit "Darker Star", 9' O Clock Nasty return with hard post punk, alternative garage and stoner rock riffs on "Team Player"! This incredibly charismatic tune brings the noise and playful melodies typical of britpop while the electrifying solos demonstrate an incredible symbiotic synergy - proving this group really plays as a team - especially the drummer who carries the single with extraordinary infectious drums! "Team Player" guarantees to be satirical and ironic and once again the chorus really shines by being superbly catchy and addictive! Also of note are innovative artsy lo-fi ideas involving reverb and challenging motifs to the listener. Quirky and punky - another big W for this promising underground group!"

FV Music Blog @fvmusicblog "The brilliant band 9 O’CLOCK NASTY are back with their best single yet. ‘Team Player’ is in equal parts addictive and compelling. Complete with wonderful vocal performance and a stoic beat, it is a song that could be the breakthrough single for this Leicester-based band."

Info Music @info_music_fr "An ease to launch, an ability to impose, 9 o'clock Nasty is a delightful surprise that makes a beautiful entry in our section and settles as the surprise that we recommend you to discover as soon as possible."

Rising Stars @risingartists.musicblog “Team Player is an instant in your face track that takes you back in time, the nostalgic track is very garage, punk, with some heaviness. ...This is an endless track that you will not be able to stop playing, while it’s on repeat you’re going to rage your little heart out and after you’re done with that track you’re going to move on to the next one from 9 o’clock Nasty. They make music that is so hard to not be completely obsessed with. The trio never disappoints."

Roadie Music @roadiemusicmag "With a beat totally influenced by funk, it follows a line full of swing with a slow bass, with a lot of groove, already showing the stripped air there. The guitars enter discreetly, but as they take shape, they emphasise the weight of the song. All with vocal lines that are between the sung and the recited, gaining influences from rap, reminding us immediately of the Beastie Boys. ... one of the most differentiated songs they've released, showing versatility and daring."

Sinusoidal @sinusoidal.music "So the question is never what 9 o’clock Nasty have in store for us next. It’s what is not, and most things aren’t off the table. Can it be about raccoons playing cards? About a tennis player/Christian madman? These guys have the Midas touch, if that means everything they touch turns to golden beer. "

Mangowave @mangowavereviews "This is the song for those who would rather saw off their left foot than participating in their company's annual staff outing at the climbing garden.... With sharp bends, the guitar decorates the main riff. Those are not sounds of evading obstacles. These bends help you to take a run-up and knock the obstacles over. Who is getting in your way? Right, noone and nothing!"

Other Side Reviews @theothersidereviews "Constantly evolving, 9 o’clock Nasty once again highlights their sophisticated obscurity in ‘Team Player’. Charismatic vocals pour forth from the analogue arrangement proving that you don’t need fancy stuff to make a mark on listeners. As I said, they can have pinpricks of light swirling about your head…but you’ll love the feeling. ‘Team Player’ does not slither into your cranium, but rather grabs your guts, squeezes and leaves you breathless with goosebumps all over your body."

Motion News @motionnews.it "I forced myself to listen to Team Player after overcoming the mental pain caused by not being able to review Darker Star. Like Boris Johnson, I adore every song by this band, and I never know what to anticipate from them next. Their songs don’t aspire to higher creative standards or seek for deeper meaning like a bad trio would. It is 9:00. Nasty are merely enjoying themselves. Team Player starts off with a punch before doing what 9 o’clock Nasty does best, which is diving into rock. Strong drums and a bass tone that would make Les Claypool’s pants flutter. Additionally, Sydd, Pete, and Ted give a chorus performance that Frank Black would pay millions of dollars for."

Biography Web   @biography.web The Leicester trio—the ruthless, enigmatic, dangerous, and dark-eyed beings of irony and satire—are back to face their demons while still debating the fundamental essence of humanity.

KIMU @KARLISMYUNKLE "Team Player expands with textured production and a strong Brit-rock delivery that we have come to love from 9 o’clock Nasty to tell the story of the leaders and gatherers of society ... an exercise in indie precision that drives a sharp spike into the spine.”

We Are MX @yourmusicexperience "a gritty, opaque groovy banger"

Edgar Allan Poets @edgarallanpoets  "It goes without saying that such a creatively productive band must have a lot of influences. It is precisely because of their great open-mindedness that 9 o’clock Nasty does not know what the word boredom means. The creativity they put into the lyrics, the musical arrangements, and the presentation of their musical idea to the world are superb. This is pure passion. The desire of these guys to make their artistic message known to the masses makes them forget all the work they are doing to spread their vision. They write well, have innovative ideas, and above all it’s a band that has something to say."

Dark Strudel @dark_strudel "After the wide panoramic boisterous sweeps of their last releases, the restless and violent 9 o’clock Nasty are back. Team Player hits you in the first beat. A vicious gut-punch. It keeps striking again and again. Relentless verses build up to a rabble-rousing chorus. This is music for when it is all too much, and you need to turn and face the oppressor. Music to build barricades to. Music to stand shoulder to shoulder and shout to the sky. When the restless stop and stand in one place. When they focus and strike, take notice."

Less Than 1000 Followers @jpgchief "Like a dark gargoyle of the night, the mean raccoons are back with a renewed striking force, ready to hit us right in the gut. The Leicester trio, the dark eye lined, the brutal, the mysterious, the perilous beings of irony and satire are back once more to overcome themselves as they continue to question the true nature of humanity.A fierce and heart-pounding track that attacks steadily and with control. A melting bass, tight drums, wailing guitar notes… Real talk. Real energy.  The intimidating mantra continues as a dark omen. The beat returns. Ecstasy."

Team Player

   

Available at > YouTube | Amazon Music | Spotify | Apple Music

Team Player is the June 2022 single by 9 o'clock Nasty.

Listening Notes

Team Player? Never.  A song for everyone that chooses not to comply.

Words

From the push to the shove I'll see you later

A real broken heart, he's the team player

Takes what he wants and plays both ends

The lock on the door, he's team player.

I may be some time

Metal to the pedal, box out the flag

He's a real base toucher, a real team player

His ask from you, his hymn sheet singer

His same direction puller, real team player

I may be some time

(c) 2022 9 o'clock Nasty

Sydd Spudd Drums

Pete Brock Guitar, keys, vocals

Ted Pepper Bass, vocals

HORATIO R RACCOON'S POLAR ADVENTURE

 

We are using this page to collect the diary notes from this June series of social media posts for anyone that misses a post online. If you enjoy this and want more, look up @souladvocatefiction on Insta.

--%%--

We have come into possession of the private diary of celebrated raccoon adventurer Horatio R Raccoon. Famous for his ability to collaborate with anyone from any walk of life we felt his story would be an excellent run up to our next single, Team Player. We will share the diary entries from Horatio’s involvement in the Polar Expedition led by Scott, seeking to make the Union Jack the first flag to fly at the South Pole.

3rd January 1912

Awoke aroused and hungry. Broke fast on the last of the sprouts pickled in cider vinegar. I shall trump all day and all night but it shall be worth it. Taking advantage of Evan’s party making the return journey I added a fine sketch of my erect manhood to my letter to Lady Elisa Chobham-Chobham-Carter-Chobham with a few kind and well chosen words. She shall be delighted to receive it I have no doubt. An unsolicited sketch of a personal nature is after all what the gentler sex aspire to in every way and in some three months she will have a delightful surprise. Scott and party seem angered at my late rising however this was the final chance for a lie in and some personal care before the last big push to the pole and I was not going to carry heavy nuts over the ice plateau. The party was thus my own good self, Scott, Wilson, Oates and Edgar Evans. Bowers who believed the fifth place was his was sore troubled by my selection, but as principal financial backer it was my choice to make. 

All the ponies except my blessed Bobby were shot and butchered on the ice. I ensured Bobby has double ration of oats and hay for the journey ahead and the finest woollen boots made from the spare blankets and one of Wilson’s. Oates was most frustrated that we were a party of five when all the rations and weight calculations called for a group of four. He can go on a little too much. I shall have to even the score with him on another day, but for now I have contented myself with cutting the ends off his spare socks. Let’s see how he likes cold wet toes on the hardest march on earth.

9th January 1912

The whole party, and Scott in particular very excited today. As dark fell we arrived at what they call “Shackleton’s Furthest South.” I was hoping for some kind of hotel, bar or other facility but it seems to be just another empty piece of ice blasted by endless wind. The others were outside shouting at me to get up so we could take a commemorative photograph but I need some time in the morning for personal grooming and they became angry at my tardy arrival. 

The extra tent time allowed me to finish the delicious rich fruit cake wrapped in greaseproof paper I found at the bottom of the supplies boxes. Bobby is not enjoying the weather but he is fattening up nicely thanks to the oat and corn mix I liberated from supplies for him. My gloves have been bothering me so I have exchanged mine with Oates. All in all a trying yet positive day.

10th January 1912

A black flag was sighted on the horizon. Scott and Evans were distraught when they saw this. “Amundsen made it before us” they wept. Teeth were gnashed and hair was pulled. It was a little tiresome in truth. I shared the last oaty biscuit from supply box 3 with Wilson and told him my best joke about Otters and lubricants. He laughed so loud he fell over and was stared at very hard by our expedition leader who saw the biscuit crumbs in his beard. Scott was sore vexed at that point and explained that the big box of Oaty biscuits was for the return journey and on no account was Wilson to take any more food from Supply Box 3 for anything so vulgar as a snack. This made me think. Scott will be most annoyed. 

I have resolved to edit the supplies list to remove the items in boxes 2 and 3 that I have been picking at whilst peckish. Had a lovely dream, about Lady Elisa Chobham-Chobham-Carter-Chobham last night. Phwoar, as they say in the colonies.

17th January 1912

Today I was roused most rudely. I had settled in for a rather nice second sleep and Scott demanded I rouse myself. It seems we have determined we are at exactly the South Pole. I pointed out, with all the evidence at my disposal, that there is on fact no pole, and therefore Scott is highly mistaken. Amundsen had left his tent and some supplies here together with a letter he hoped Scott would deliver onwards for him and a note that had Scott enraged and furious again. He really should learn to control his temper.  There was a box of Kendall Mint Cake in the tent, intended as a gift no doubt. Whilst Scott raged on, I managed to pocket it for later. I absolutely hate the stuff, but of late the ration of food is barely touching the sides as it goes down, and I am a raccoon in need of sustenance. There was also a small bag of apples, which I fed to Bobby. He is managing to put on a good amount of weight during our trek, I fancy I shall be able to enter him into the Pony Club awards when we get home. 

So it seems I am the first raccoon to reach the South Pole. Unless Amundsen had a raccoon in his party. Which in fairness is possible as we are excellent explorers, one and all.

20th January 1912

Weather bad today so we only marched for two hours before constructing a crude windbreak and setting up tents. The others gathered in Wilson’s tent to share the warmth of one oil heater, apparently my high sprout diet huffing is a source of some discomfort, so I have used Scott’s and between the warmth of Bobby snuggled up besides me, my warm emissions and the spare oil heater which I have cranked up to full power, it is actually quite jolly. I found the expedition logs and maps so I had fun amending the charts showing where we will meet the dog team. I really cannot stand those huskies so it will be a blessing not to have to see them and their pesky supplies and such a jolly jape. Oh how Scott will laugh back in London where I explain my clever ruse to all assembled. I have also changed the supplies log to show that Evans took all the items I have liberated from the boxes this past month. I considered Wilson who took the fall for the oaty biscuits but it really isn’t fair to mess with the same chap twice, as I learn to my cost at boarding school. Arf Arf, such jolly times.

7th Feb 1912

Mixed sort of day. Scott’s temper gets worse and worse. He claims his tent stinks of horse, which is a ridiculous assertion in the polar waste. He keeps looking at Bobby strangely. I have fashioned a rather fetching bow for Bobby’s hair using Oates’ one remaining sock. 

Oates is complaining of something called frostbite and limps terribly. He is slowing us down but I keep him amused and laughingly tell him to keep up or we will leave him to die. On the plus side we are now on the long descent from the high plateau, so hopefully we will find a nice hotel soon.

Ah actually there is one thing. Scott is desperately angry that we can’t find some supply depot. He keeps looking at his charts and walking up and down and scratching his head. I do hope he will find the anecdote of how I altered the map amusing when we are all sitting besides a nice warm fire and sipping the most excellent brandy of Lord Augustus Chobham-Chobham-Carter-Chobham. Ah when I think of his darling wife, I can barely suppress a whimper. 

8th Feb 1912

Scott remarked that the supplies seem quite light and resolved to check them tomorrow. I have had to use an old ruse I learned in my days at Eton. I found an outcrop of rocks, some of which seem to have some of those new-fangled fossil things and placed them in the supplies boxes to bring them back up to full weight. With luck that will do the trick. Edgar Evans is pulling the supplies sled and is grunting spectacularly so I hope I didn’t overdo it, but now Scott can forget about these silly concerns and enjoy the view. Bobby was suffering from the effort of carrying the spare oil cans, so I have emptied them, which greatly eased his passage. When I look into his big brown pony eyes I really feel like he understands me on a deep level.

9th Feb 1912 

Today is a dark, dark day. Evans is no longer with us.

Scott was angry yet again last night. He had resolved to check the supplies and when he found the boxes to be almost empty except for the rather wonderful fossils I added, he checked the expedition logbook and found entries from Evans bless his heart, withdrawing food for himself. Bless him, I can get peckish and I understand the feeling all too well. Anyway there was a ruckus. A tussle. Fisticuffs. Scott battered Evans to death with a tentpole and spat on the body. After, when he had calmed, we all agreed to write in our diaries that poor Edgar Evans had fallen and died, a brave British gentleman. I found some chocolate in Evan’s pockets, which is the only way I can manage to eat that blasted mint cake. Almost finished it.

Edgar Evans fell and died a brave British gentleman with a bump on his head.

11th February 1912

Even more arguments. We are no longer a united group. I was disturbed from my morning self-affections by shouting. I had time to make a brief but perfunctory climax before rising to find Scott once more furious. It seems there was someone’s birthday this day and a fruit cake was supposed to be saved to share at this special moment. We all told Scott that he shouldn’t worry and we would all forgo our share of this missing cake, although I for one suspect Scott himself had it. In any case I have resolved to take a little extra rations tonight to compensate for this missing cake. I cannot recall whose birthday it was, I am a forgetful scamp at times. But I do seem to recall the cake was quite delicious.

10th March 1912 

We gave up on the dog team today. We had been marching along what should have been their track in the hope of meeting them, but Oates’ feet are causing him some embarrassment and we make slow speed. There is an emergency supply dump off our current route and we shall divert. I am reliably informed there will be oaty biscuits there. Bravo.

We all gathered in Scott’s tent this evening. There was no food, but as I had managed to partake of the last cheese and crackers earlier my stomach was calm. Scott shared what was left of his brandy only to discover that some absolute oaf had drunk it and replaced it with cold tea. A terrible trick I learned at Oxford. I do like a good nip of the brandy.

An otherwise pleasant evening was spoiled when Oates removed his boots and we saw the state of his feet. I must admit I lost the contents of my stomach all over Wilson at the sight of the blackened toes, and he in turn dry heaved for minutes thereafter. Scott wrapped the feet in bandages and said some kind words. He seems now somewhat resigned and less angry which is a blessing.

I gave Bobby an extra special cuddle later.

16th March 1912

Oates has been a real problem these past two days. He limps and curses, and plainly is slowing us all down. When I suggested a game of snow-cricket but asked not to be in his team he was really vexed. We did play in the end and myself and Wilson beat Scott and Oates by an innings.

At supper, which consisted of three boiled beans made into soup (which I secretly supplemented with a fine piece of dried beef which was tough but tasty) Oates was about to remove his bandages. I told him in no uncertain terms he should do that outside the tent. “Fuck right off with your pestilent feet” I said. Oates was very good about it and told us he may be some time. Well obviously he will. He has been gone a while, but it does make a bit more room without him.

20th March 1912

I finally had to put my foot down. The others are struggling to keep up with Bobby and rarely speak. It lightly snowed today and I resolved that we should stop. 

Scott protested that we were but 11 miles from more supplies but I told him in no uncertain terms that Bobby and I would not march in snow. We made a better camp and will wait here until the snow passes. I have actually found some rather nice snacks in one of the old backpacks, which I have put to one side as we all share the bean soup collectively which they all seem to enjoy but Bobby and I need something more substantial to keep the hunger at bay!

29th March 1912

Scott wrote and wrote in his diary and composed letters late into the night last night. Wilson just lay in his cot and cried and then fell silent. Eventually Scott put down his pen and slumped in a most indecorous manner by the heater, which at that point was out of fuel anyway. I gave myself full personal attention for two hours whilst remembering my last tryst with Lady Elisa Chobham-Chobham-Carter-Chobham and achieved a most satisfactory conclusion, but by then I was ready to make the march with my darling Bobby. As Scott and Wilson refused to leave their places, I determined to strike out for the coast. Bobby and I will march due North to the rendezvous and Scott and Wilson with their stinky bean soup can just catch us later. Lazybones. This whole polar adventure thing truly is most tiresome. We shall find this supply dump and dine well this very night.

Postscript

Horatio R Raccoon’s presentation on his polar expedition was suppressed by the British Geographical Society for many years as being unseemly, unpatriotic and not aligned with the accepted narrative. He lived on for a long and happy life with Bobby in a cottage in Kent where he cultivated opium and was the favoured lover of many Ladies of great repute. He served with distinction on both sides in the Great War and wrote several volumes of memoirs, which we may unearth for you one day.

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 If you enjoy the writing, you can find more by following @souladvocatefiction, artwork is by @addermyre

Horatio Raccoon’s diary inspired us to write our next single “TEAM PLAYER.” It drops on Saturday 25th June. You can pre-save it now. Link in bio.

#polar #artic #scott #raccoon #history #explorer #antarctic #polar #brave #snacks #nibbles 

Reviews for Darker Star

 

Send Me Your Ears @SendMeYourEars "Darker Star is ... a relentless wall of sound, with shouty vocals but damnit, it’s so catchy!"

Pigeon Opinion @pigeon_opinion "Bird sounds, thunderous lights and police sirens work as amazing psychedelic sounds effects amplifying 9' o'clock Nasty's cartoon aesthetic! Great riffs back up an already iconic hook"

Music is to Blame @musicistoblame "Leicester-based 9 O’Clock Nasty’s new single has got listeners wholly engaged with a new hit of self-proclaimed ‘whimsical aggression.’ Although the tempo of the track is actually quite mid, the vocals adds fiery energy that emulates feelings of a controlled frustration; not quite denying the feeling, but completely owning it. In fact, the main vocal hook “I was born under a darker star than you” sounds as if it could be some sort of chant at a rally with the amount of energy they hold. As the bass is introduced, its slow pace has an almost sultry, enticing feel that cleverly binds the rest of the instrumentation together, adding a nice contrasting element to the vocals which refuse to be ignored."

Headbangers News @headbangersnews_br "...references to alternative rock from the 90s – with good doses of grunge, garage rock, pop and indie. The song has a funky sound and powerful riffs, where the chorus hits hard in a tunbe that will stick in the listener's mind and captivate you with all the charisma and inimitable sense of humor of this band"

.Saiid Zedan @saiidz "Darker Star's 9 o'clock Nasty (Original Single) is the ideal single for any aspiring rock band. It is highly energetic and displays a strong, charismatic vocal that highlights the band's ability to write great rock songs. Featuring a driving beat, melodic guitar riffs, powerful vocals and layered harmonies, this single will get your heart pumping! The instrumentation gives the listener a sense of excitement and a clean-sounding production provides clarity and definition to the overall sound." 

Indie O'Clock @indieoclock "The band is known for the stripped-down and irreverent way of making songs,... "Darker Star" starts with guitar making mind-bending riffs amidst the chaos of police sirens"

Artisti Online @artistionline "Madness and eccentricity complete their artistic profile..Impossible not to be overwhelmed and engaged by their charisma and their unstoppable energy!

MangoWave @mangowavereviews "....the song spreads electrifying thrill from its first second on. The stoic but heavy drum beat ... leaves a certain Krautrock vibration - mesmerizing and activating. The main riff is an extremely catchy Garage Rock'n'Roll an whatever theme that will nest in your inner ear once you have heard it for the first time. As a gorgeous feature that makes that riff's catchiness even more resilient, it is transferred to the bass line during the chorus - stunning! And speaking of the chorus, this is where the organ spreads some honest 60s Horror Film feels... you know that the three musicians from Leicester know how to create an anthem. From the dynamic verses to the hymnic hookline, every part drags you into the dark sphere of this song, and thus you cannot not join in chanting "I was born under a darker star than you".

Have 9 o'clock nasty surpassed themselves once more? Indeed"

Senocular @senocularmedia "...a raw power ballad that, despite seeming rough around the edges, has a huge sound with deep, inviting tones. The catchy chorus becomes the band’s battle cry as it is chanted over the analogue tracked song."

TopMusic @mw3.biz "I love when a band can take the energy of punk and combine it with the feeling of post-punk. That’s what 9 O’Clock Nasty does with their track “Darker Star,” and they do it well. It’s dark and moody, but there’s also undeniable energy to it that seems to come from nowhere—it’s like you’ve been sitting in your room all day watching TV or playing video games or whatever, and then suddenly you realize that you’ve got a fever and are running at full speed down the road while laughing maniacally at nothing in particular. Just listen to the police car sound in the beginning and you understand what I’m talking about."

Rising Artists  @risingartists.musicblog  "...their sound is always changing they still have a core sound that you will become obsessed with. 9 o’clock Nasty makes music for all the freaks and geeks of the world. Go see why everyone is loving them, get even weirder and watch all their videos…it will send you into a rabbit hole that you never want to get out of."

KarlIsMyUnkle @karlismyunkle "... a deliciously analogue power ballad that was foretold years ago.... some people just have their life sorted before sperm meets egg. Others just cannot get a break. ... this is a really intelligent commentary on the astral situation of each living being, and we love the emotive delivery which is fused with a sense of self acceptance in the message of the track. The song comes with a video which sees our protagonists performing whilst pulling tarot cards, making a commentary on the deterministic nature of our shared reality." ***this is a truly kind review and we love the website, but we were actually saying fuck destiny. To be clear. It's bobblenonsense.

OS Garotos de Liverpool @gdltudosobremusica "Delivering heavy riffs, very well executed and a screaming vocal, but that, when necessary, fits perfectly with the backing vocals and passes through the post-punk and strands of rock as punk and alternative, over almost 3min40s of impeccable work, both in execution and in its production issues, being certainly a single that will win over more fans of the genre."

Roadie Metal @roadie_metal "THERE ARE NO CHAINS THAT CAN HOLD THE 9 O'CLOCK NASTY....  never follows a normal path.... walk along roads that, although heavy, run through a more groovado sound and with some vibes of traditional funk in the rhythms of the composition"

Edgar Allan Poets @edgarallanpoets "These guys are getting naked and fearlessly following their instincts." 

Less Than 1000 Followers @jpgchief said "This is maybe the trio’s catchiest song up to date, as it immediately begins with the anthemic chorus after the groovy intro. Easy, simple, intoxicating, delicious. And, my god, the lyrics are just hysterical..."

Dark Strudel @darkstrudel "This record sounds like it was recorded by an orchestra of tramps using junkyard instruments. Yet bizarrely everything clicks into place, and it has a soulful groove, a whimsical aggression unlike anything I’ve heard before. The chorus has power. Real power."

DARKER STAR

  

Available at > YouTube | Amazon Music | Spotify | Apple Music

Darker Star is the May 2022 single by 9 o'clock Nasty.

Listening Notes

Some of us are just born unlucky. Destined to fail. Stones in our shoes. Or at least, that's what my horoscope says.

Words

I was born under a darker star than you

Pisces born with the shit star baby

Aquarius with my talents lazy

Cancer man-babe, always failing

Taurus scrapping for human gravy

I was born under a darker star than you

Leo turns but I'm not returning

Scorpio for midnight burning

Virgo peace, but I cannot earn it

Aries life with my shit star learning

I was born under a darker star than you

Read me, read me now

I was born under a darker star than you

(c) 2022 9 o'clock Nasty

Sydd Spudd Cajon, percussion, vocals

Pete Brock Guitar, keys, vocals

Ted Pepper Bass, vocals