Sister Ghost played a blistering set on Tuesday night in Queens Student Union, reminding the sizeable crowd of just what they’re about. Having hinted at new music, it was no surprise to see the Shannon Delores O’Neill fronted band releasing their new single on International Women’s Day itself.
‘Emily’ is dedicated to O’Neill’s grandmother as well as the likes of Brontë and Davison, and “and all those who accept no imitations, don’t need any affirmation or an invitation“. It’s the band first release since October’s ‘The Final Grrrl’. A committed feminist, O’Neill looks to icons like Mia Zapata and Siouxsie Sioux, often blending an ear for 80s melodies with their harder punk edge. ‘Emily’ is a strong track, with a bruising rhythm under O’Neill’s distorted, fiery vocals.
Through Sister Ghost, O’Neill has shown herself to be a powerful songwriter, flying the flag for women in punk in Northern Ireland. The fairly new Cherym are doing similar but it’s a genre and ethos that remains in too short a supply.
As part of our International Women’s Day feature Sister Ghost’s Shannon talked about one of her biggest inspirations, Mia Zapata. Read it here.
