The leaders of the pack in political, pisstaking, post-punk.
Mancunian five piece, Cabbage, are far from the wilted image that their namesake can often conjure. Living up to their description from pretty much every music blog in existence of being the “most exciting band from Manchester”, the boys’ sociopolitical commentaries, from bollocking Brexiteers to taking on North Korea and the wig-wearing Wotsit in the Oval Office, have highlighted their dynamic and endearingly unapologetic spirit, making them (yes, we’re gonna say it) the most exciting band from Manchester in ages.
Having released their EP Compilation “Young, Dumb and Full Of…” earlier this year, their newest track, “Gibraltar Ape”, which dropped in March, is a fuzzy punk number produced by The Coral’s James Skelly. Bold and brilliant, the track is yet another reason to drop everything and just accept your inevitable obsession with this band.
About to embark on a huge UK and European tour, with several headline dates already sold out, we managed to grab a minute with the quirky quintet to have a chat and find out all about them.
How did you all meet?
By fluke.
Where does the name “Cabbage” come from?
Latin.
What do each of you bring to the band?
Knowledge, sexual prowess, humour, cynicism, sense of worthlessness.
Your latest EP Compilation, “Young, Dumb and Full Of…”, was released earlier this year. Can you tell us a bit about it?
12 tracks of foundation setting musings by 5 bored 20 somethings.
You also just dropped your newest track “Gibraltar Ape”. What was the inspiration behind this song?
We saw the Gibraltar issues coming a mile off after the Brexit result. It was our Nostradamus moment.
“Bands should do what they want but if people (and bands included) weren’t so selfish and ignorant, there wouldn’t be such a hideous, lack of equality, ugly society.”
You’re very vocal about current affairs in your songs. Do you think it’s important that bands address these issues?
Bands should do what they want but if people (and bands included) weren’t so selfish and ignorant, there wouldn’t be such a hideous, lack of equality, ugly society.
You’ve described your songs as having “black humour”. Where do you think this comes from, and do you think it’s important for bands not to take themselves too seriously?
Northern British upbringing in a cynical, sarcastic binge drinking culture.
You recently announced your three biggest headline dates and that you’re supporting Kasabian on tour. What’s you favourite thing about performing live?
The sonic satisfaction. The crazed eyes of the lad in the front row who knows all the words and is desperate to pet us bodies, heavily.
What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened when you’ve been on stage?
