Belishas

Praise for previous single, ‘The Crash’:

“A short, fun, and very unpredictable piece of art-punk goodness [...] the manic energy from the session is tangible”. - CLUNK MAGAZINE

Bristol art-punk foursome Belishas have returned with ‘Operator’; their second single of the year, which is accompanied by the announcement of their debut EP, Before the Crash.

Swiftly following their previous single, ‘The Crash’, this latest track is a continuation of the new regime Belishas have begun to employ to create a more dynamic and spontaneous writing style. The kinship felt between the four members of the band is one that has been in place since they formed late in 2019, and has become noticeably stronger over the course of the years, culminating in the upcoming EP coming to fruition.

With a jagged, off-kilter riff reminiscent of the likes of Television and Cola that bleeds through large portions of the song, underpinned by a driving 4/4 rhythm, the final section descends into chaotic arpeggiated riffs and swirls of synthesised noise. The track makes for a cathartic closing statement to the EP, which was recorded and produced by Jack Ogborne (Bingo Fury) in the basement of famed Bristol venue The Louisiana.

The track is also accompanied by a self-directed video, shot at the band’s rehearsal space in Factory Studios with the assistance of Adam Bastin. Take a look at the music video here.

Speaking about the track, vocalist Ewan Ferguson says that ‘Operator’ is “probably the most uplifting song on the record”, and that thematically it explores “the idea of having gone through the process of sudden change and finding yourself at the scary final step of making a change within yourself, while looking back on the experiences outlined in the rest of the songs on the EP and capping it all off”

Belishas have garnered a strong reputation in Bristol and beyond for their impassioned live shows, having shared stages with the likes of The Last Dinner Party, Panic Shack, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard and Silverbacks, plus performing at Dot to Dot Festival. 

Belishas are Ewan Ferguson (vocals, guitar), Euan McCaughan (drums), Alex Garbutt (guitar) and Isaac Green (bass).