Opening in the same way you would imagine a hit 1980s detective show, with a strong, parasitic bass line guaranteed to live in your ear for days to come, East London’s latest trailblazing avant-garde five-piece, The Ringards, have birthed yet another masterpiece. Much like the double lives led by detectives, “Touch Me” discusses the intricacies of being a performer: the vulnerability you have to be brave enough to endure and the difficulties in how you represent yourselves as musicians and as people in such a visible and public position. Being “accessible” and “relatable” may be key, but finding a balance between what you decide to give or not give to the audience is just as important. The track opens a conversation relevant to all in the industry, especially in the age of social media, and gives listeners an insight into obstacles of performance.
Backing vocals interject throughout the verses, almost like the little voice at the back of your head. The low notes of the bass juxtaposed with the high notes of the keys hint at the two sides of performing: the brightness of being in the limelight and the potential darkness of artists’ private lives. The metallic and distorted instrumental sections create images of iconic sci-fi movies, an element of surrealism that often perpetuates the post-punk wave.
Having established a new punk-jazz sound with their three most recent singles, “The Death of Charlie Clown,” “Flaccid Venus,” and “Touch Me,” The Ringards are, perhaps unintentionally, channelling classic punk artists of The Ruts and Joe Strummer, or more recent indie post-punk luminaries such as King Krule, specifically with his songs “Easy Easy” and “Border Line.”
Keep up with the latest releases and events of the band by following them on Instagram @theringards and @isolar_records.
