Formed in the autumn of 2018, Reardon Love are a relatively new band gracing Hull’s music scene. Dubbing themselves ‘social justice warriors’ on their Facebook page, I wasn’t sure whether to expect working-class hero Billy Bragg-esque acoustic tunes, social anthems á la Joan Baez or the anger emitted frequently in punk and rock protest tracks.
Sweet Brandon Teena (respond to me) is the debut single for Reardon Love, and it fits into none of the go-to activist genres I’ve just listed. That’s not to say it doesn’t talk about anything important. I was skeptical by the term ‘social justice warriors’, but after listening to the lyrics it’s hard to disagree with what the band are setting out to do, especially if they continue writing songs of this ilk.
Respond to me
I want you to speak
My sweet Brandon Teena
I'm right beside you
The funky bass line is a strong intro and the chorus is decidedly catchy. The pink/purple aesthetic of the video is very 1975-esque (back when everyone still enjoyed their music), but this isn’t a comparison between the bands in any way. It’s very clean, well-produced and along with the video, the song has all the makings of a happy indie pop song. It may not sound like a protest song, but I think that’s half the point. After a few times of listening to the song, I found my self singing along to the chorus and it prompted me to look more into what I was singing about and I got this awkward feeling of discomfort, but I saw what the band were trying to do. If you know about Brandon Teena, you might understand the song initially more fully than if you don’t. If you don’t, as I didn’t, a google was all that was needed to understand the relevance of the song and the important message it’s conveying.
‘Brandon Teena (born Teena Renae Brandon; December 12, 1972 – December 31, 1993) was an American trans man who was raped and murdered in Humboldt, Nebraska.' (Wikipedia)
Sweet Brandon Teena is a display of acceptance and support. Learning that this merry tune is actually referring to a horrendous crime is powerful and effective and it's apparent that this song and stands in solidarity with those facing discrimination and injustice. I’m sure it doesn’t warrant mentioning the horror of recent media reports - songs such as this are a much welcome counteraction to the hate-spreading. Now I’m not saying that this song will change the world, but I think it has the possibility to educate and raise awareness with its audience that these sorts of hate crimes aren’t particularly new.
A powerful and dynamic start for Reardon Love, Sweet Brandon Teena (respond to me) sets the four-piece in strong standing for many more releases addressing the issues that many musicians shy away from talking about. Find their upcoming gigs around the UK on Facebook or their website and keep an eye out for Reardon Love making waves in political music and shaking up modern society's definitions of right and wrong.
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