Monoxide Brothers – Horses
Birmingham electro punk duo Monoxide Brothers release ‘Horses’, the latest taste of their forthcoming EP Manic Pixie Dream Pop.
The song’s title was inspired by the Barbie movie, where Ken says:
“When I found out the patriarchy wasn’t about horses, I just lost interest anyway.”
‘Horses’ was written via a stream of consciousness in one of Monoxide Brothers’ earliest jam sessions. With an angular, no-chorus flow, ‘Horses’ pulls the rug from under you with a sharp dissection of how people play each other under the puppetry of the patriarchy. From misogynist microaggressions in the music scene to the frank retelling of victim blaming, ‘Horses’ bolts out of the stables and charges ahead with a blistering synth and an unrelenting kick drum rhythm.
Sophie Hack, Monoxide Brothers’ vocals + synths, says of the track:
“‘Horses’ was one of the first songs we wrote and it’s one that has evolved with us. It’s empowering to look the crowd in the eye while performing it and make them think about how they or someone they know has treated women in the past and for them to reflect.”
Emily Doyle, Monoxide Brothers’ synths + beats, continues:
“‘Horses’ has been a staple of our live set since day one, so we can’t wait to share the EP version; Manic Pixie Dream Pop is a collection of cuttingly smart lyrics and big idiot basslines, perfect for getting a rage on. The video is an uncanny piece of cut out animation, inspired by shows like Angela Anaconda and the old Steve Madden big head adverts. I love experimenting with animation, and this one’s turned out equal parts creepy and cute.”
Monoxide Brothers are Birmingham’s Emily Doyle (she/her, synths & beats) and Sophie Hack (she/her, vocals & synths). The duo first met at a seance in the attic of a real ale pub and bonded over a love of garage rock, horror movies and Animal Crossing. Since their inception in May 2024, the pair have played in some of the most-loved music venues across the West Midlands, and at Supernormal, Supersonic and Psychic Dancehall Festivals. Debut single ‘Spine’ caught the ear of DJ Deb Grant at the latter, and loved it so much she played it on her BBC Radio 6 Music show the next day, saying the Brothers were “probably my favourite (act of the festival)…they just got everyone going.”
“Horses” was recorded with the help of B.B. Kaizo in the band’s Digbeth studio, and mixed/mastered by Stuart Lee-Tovey (Matters, House Cloud). “Horses” will be self-released by Monoxide Brothers and available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp on 27/06/2025.
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