Track of the Day: Strange New Places' 'Mr Gumble'

Belfast-band Strange New Places have today released a 3 minute, 30 second slice of power-punk, synth magic and unabashed strangeness, with their new single 'Mr Gumble'.

Going toe-to-toe with the issue of gender dysphoria and how to negotiate these feelings in the context of romantic relationships, both the song and the accompanying video take a wry look at sexuality, misconceptions, and anxieties.

Speaking about the track, the band said: "Mr Gumble is a uniquely transgender-tinted track, riffing on gender dysphoria and how it stops the narrator from having the confidence to pursue romantic relationships. One third gender expectations, 33% body horror personal fantasy, and one part out of three made of Simpsons references, Mr Gumble’s playful characterisation of deeply troubling subject matter comes straight out of the handbook of Los Campesinos! and Against Me!, while retaining a sound distinct to Strange New Places."

Strange New Places

Strange New Places are a Belfast-based band of self-described "right-on radicals with low self-esteem."

The queerpunk five-piece are often found singing about gender, sexuality and life under capitalism, and how those intersect with anxiety, depression, and a perpetual fear of talking to girls.

Formed by Fermanagh siblings Ash and Rory, the band recruited long-time co-conspirator Michael before sweeping East, picking up Rain on drums, and finding bassist Caleb wandering in the wilderness near Lisburn. On reaching the coast, the assembled band realised they could not all swim, and settled down in the nearby town of Belfast, where they can still be found today.

Influenced by acts like Against Me, Modern Baseball, and Los Campesinos!, the group nestles itself between emo, punk and synth pop, creating high-energy laments as the soundtrack to sedition.

When not making music, Strange New Places can be found agitating for minority rights or being minorly agitated. If you approach them, they’ll likely fire off a Golden-Age Simpsons quote on impulse.