South London’s DEADLETTER has shared a new single in the form of “Degenerate Inanimate,” an acerbic romp through the band’s elastic post-punk rhythms. Originally comprised of founding trio Zac Lawrence (vocals), Alfie Husband (drums), and George Ullyott (bass), the band has since rounded out their lineup with additions Will King (guitar), Sam Jones (guitar), and Poppy Richler (saxophone). They just released their debut EP Heat! last year and kicked off 2023 with the rhapsodic “The Snitching Hour.”
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With characteristic flair “Degenerate Inanimate” aims DEADLETTER’s snarky lyricism at a newfound adversary of social morality. This time the loathsome portrait painted by Lawrence’s wild drawls crosses all the sleaziness of a compulsive liar with the frustrating arrogance of someone who really believes the fraudulence that spills from their mouth.
“‘Degenerate Inanimate’ alludes to the feeling of betrayal felt when someone close to you is revealed as dishonest to the bone,” Lawrence explained. “There’s a unique form of unease which arises from having your basic intelligence mocked, as they reveal their complete lack of decency.”
“Sees hat being held outside the corner shop / Says “I haven’t but a fiver to toss on down the drain,” he wails against the song’s rubbery bass and brash sax shrills. “Proudly marches onwards, and upwards toward The Hill / And pisses twenty of his money on a horse with no name.” Their vibrant profile of scummy charlatans (i.e. the eponymous “degenerate inanimate”) made all the more cathartic thanks to the band’s vibrantly satiric vitriol.
As usual, DEADLETTER’s callithumpian energy is matched only by the vivid narratives they traipse through them. While the buoyant slap of drums and streaking riffs offer up a live wire of rousing energy to cling to when the anger becomes too visceral. For their part, the band emerges from their tangle with ethical debaucheries more than a little soiled themselves. Covered in the cocksure deceptions, they bemoan lucidly: “Have to admit, though makes me sick, fabrications leave you drowned in shit.”
Visit DEADLETTER on their website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
DEADLETTER tour
13th July – France – Saint Aubin Sur Mer
14th July – Belgium – Rock Herk Festival
15th July – Netherlands, Nijmegen – Valkhof festival
Friday 21st July – Tramlines Festival – Stage 3
22nd July – Truck Festival – So Young stage SOLD OUT
23rd July – Turin, Italy – Apolide Festival
27th July – Spain – Tsunami Festival
29th July : Kendal Calling Festival
30th July – Y not festival – Derbyshire
4th August – Micro Festival – Liege – Belgium
5th August – AFF Festival – Genk – Belgium
11th August – Denmark, Copenhagen – Frigjort Festival
26th August – Loose Ends Festival – Utrecht
2nd Sept – Manchester Psych Festival
16th Sept – Belgium – Ostend – Leffingeleuren Festival
21st Sept – Holland – Deventer – Burgerweehuis
23rd Sept – Germany – Hamburg – Reeperbahn Festival
25th Sept – France – Rennes – L’Ubu
27th Sept – France – Bordeaux – Rock School Barber
30th Sept – Portugal – Guimaraes – Sonus Art Festival
2nd October – Spain – Madrid – Siroco
3rd October – Spain – Barcelona – Laut
5th October – Italy – Milan – Arci Bellezza
6th October – Italy – Bologna – Covo Club
9th October – Germany – Heidelberg – Karlstorbahnhof
11th October – Netherlands – Amsterdam – Tolhuistuin
13th October – Netherlands – Groningen – Vera
14th October – Netherlands – Tilburg – Here’s the Thing Festival
15th October – Germany – Haldern – Haldern Pop Bar
16th October – Germany – Cologne – Bumann & Sohn
17th October – Germany – Munster – Gleis 22
18th October – Germany – Berlin – Privatclub
20th October – Netherlands – Rotterdam – Left of the Dial Festival
21st October – Netherlands – Rotterdam – Left of the Dial Festival
22nd October – Belgium- Brussels – AB Club
23rd October – France – Paris – Pop Up
25th October – Bristol – Dareshack
26th October – Cardiff – Clwb Ifor Bach
27th October – Manchester – Yes Basement (Early Show)
27th October – Manchester – Yes Basement (Late Show) SOLD OUT
28th October – Leeds – The Brudenell
29th October – Sheffield – Yellow Arch
31st October – Nottingham – The Bodega
1st November – Edinburgh – Voodoo Rooms
2nd November – Glasgow – The Attic
3rd November – Dublin – Workmans Cellar
4th November – Belfast – Ulster Sports Club
6th November – Newcastle – Cluny 2
8th November – Milton Keynes – The Craufurd Arms
10th November – Oxford – Jericho Tavern
12th November – Brighton – Patterns
14th December – London – Scala
Words: Steven Ward
Listen to “Degenerate Inanimate” the new single from DEADLETTER below!
