Currently based between Dublin, London, and Bristol, M(h)aol (pronounced “male”) are formed of Róisín Nic Ghearailt, Constance Keane aka Fears, Jamie Hyland (Girl Band’s ‘Holding Hands With Jamie’), Zoe Greenway, and Sean Nolan. Together, the band aim to shake up the male dominated post-punk scene with their urgent, shadowy sounds.
Today they share new single ‘Gender Studies’, a response to how gender changes throughout our lifetime, and how some people wish to force the gender binary. It’s about going on a intersectional feminist journey where you become less palatable to wider society, but more palatable to yourself.
It comes with a film noir style video that uses images to suggest the constraints of gender roles and the expectations that come with it. This is contrasted with the internal frustration and anger of the song, and the faceless figures act as a frame for understanding and recognising the power of the individual’s voice and action in continuing to resist systems of oppression
Watch the video for ‘Gender Studies’ HERE / Stream HERE
The new single is the title track from debut EP Gender Studies which they also announce today, for release on 29th October digitally, and then a 12” vinyl on 14th January via indie label TULLE which champions underrepresented voices in music. The 12” will be a Dinked Edition – a limited edition clear vinyl with 300 copies only. It’ll come with a hand signed postcard from the band, a glittery ‘Ghost A Post-Punk Boy Today’ sticker, and additional track. Pre-order HERE.
Gender Studies was recorded in just 3 days due to their different locations, and covers topics such as violence against women, the misogynistic music scene in Ireland and the UK, and trying to navigate life when you’re not a cis straight white man.
On the EP, lead vocalist Róisín says, “Gender studies weaves past & present in an exploration of how the construct of gender shapes our lives. From feeling like you’re not performing your gender right to the way it shapes how we move through the physical, sexual & romantic sphere it marries urgent lyrics with a threatening yet (blank) sound.”
Earlier this year they released the single ‘Asking For It’ with an aim to dismantle the external and internal narratives that perpetuate the behaviours behind gender-based violence and victim-blaming. It was shared earlier than planned in light of the Sarah Everard murder, with all profits donated to Women’s Aid Ireland, a charity who aim to end domestic violence against women and children.
M(h)aol will be playing a small batch of dates in the UK this November, with tickets on sale now here.
1st November – Rough Trade, Bristol
2nd November – The Hug And Pint, Glasgow
3rd November – The Talleyrand, Manchester
4th November – The Shacklewell Arms, London
Debut EP Gender Studies will be released digitally on 29th October, and on 12” vinyl on 15th January via TULLE – Pre-order HERE