Cork post-punk outfit The Revolt have released their new five-track EP, Ghost of Churchfield Shuffle. We asked lead singer Jessie Russell the BIG questions . . .
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
The EP was produced by Duncan O'Cleirigh at Blackwater Studios and features a collaborative writing team with lyrics by Jessie, Annette Lynch, and Kieran Stack, and music by Kalli Schlauch (bass), Sarah O’Callaghan (guitar), and Keith "Smelly" O’Connell (drums).
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
First, my hair changes as often as it rains here. I’ve tried nearly every colour except blue... still debating that one. Second, I love to scream and growl in most of our songs. Things that might be seen as "unladylike" are exactly what I lean into. Breaking expectations is kind of my comfort zone. Third, I absolutely adore animals. My cat and dog are full-on fur babies - little furry freeloaders I’d do anything for. If you’re in a position to give an animal a forever home, please do. The love they give back is more than I could ever repay.
How would you describe your music?
We’d describe our sound as post-punk. Kalli and Smelly are true old-school punks with over 30 plus years of experience, and that untamed energy really shapes our foundation. Sarah and I grew up listening to bands like Green Day, No Doubt, Smashing Pumpkins, and The Cranberries so there’s a mix of grit and melody that runs through everything we do. You can definitely hear all those influences in our music.
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
One of my favourite moments was after a gig when an older punk came up to me and said, "Wow, you guys transported me straight back to the late ’70s. Do you know Poly Styrene?" At the time, I didn’t but I went home and listened to Identity. That was one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. X-Ray Spex were iconic.
Who are your musical inspirations?
PJ Harvey is a force of nature. Albums like Rid of Me and To Bring You My Love taught me how to channel rage and be totally honest. She’s also incredibly playful in her songwriting - tracks like Sheela-Na-Gig and Down by the Water show how she blends grit with theatrics in a way that’s completely her own. Portishead’s Beth Gibbons is the definition of elegance and haunting soulfulness. She embodies a quiet intensity and delicate delivery. Dolores O’Riordan’s voice echoed through my home growing up. The Cranberries’ songs like Ode to My Family and Zombie still give me shivers. Her ability to sing about personal and political pain made a lasting impact on me. Each of these women has shaped how I write and perform.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
P!nk in Tralee, that woman can sing flying in mid-air while being spun around. My jaw was on the floor. She ended her set with the most beautiful tribute to Janis Joplin. That was a great first experience to be fair.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Evanescence’s Fallen. My mother used to be bating the ceiling down with the broom, because I was screaming on the top of my lungs. Living my best life as a 13-year-old (secret) small town emo.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Lads Lads Lads by Lambrini Girls. I had the pleasure of seeing them live at In the Meadows in Dublin a few weeks back. What a great festival this year btw. The Lambrini Girls are explosive. Phoebe Lunny can curate such raw energy in a crowd with her voice and presence.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Of all time" is too hard off the top of my head. Most recent is easier and would be more reflective of the current atrocities happening in plain sight. Fontaines D.C.’s I Love You: "And I love you like a penny loves the pocket of a priest, And I'll love you till the grass around my gravestone is deceased" They express this intoxicating and complex love we as Irish people have for our land and the pain of our history. "But this Island’s run by sharks with children's bones stuck in their jaws" these lyrics I heard once and they are etched into my mind.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Roads by Portishead is it maybe my coming of age and deep introspection go-to song but it is wildly beautiful. For a song that speaks about feeling lost it always reconnected me to my own sense of direction "Oh, can't anybody see? We've got a war to fight, never found our way, regardless of what they say". It is so haunting with the strings and soulful echo.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We are on Instagram, Bandcamp, Facebook @therevoltcork you can find us on Spotify and YouTube music by searching The Revolt Cork.
Alan Corr
