Grandmas House Tackle Social Anxiety In New Single Always Happy

That's The One: Grandmas House | Bristol

With latest release Always Happy, punk trio Grandmas House face a more personal yet still ubiquitous issue - social anxiety.

Post-punk is saturated with white men impassioned in their fight against authority and austerity, which - don't get me wrong - is fine, but there's something deliciously refreshing about a trio of queer women belting their lungs out to rejoice, among other things, a beautiful, pasty-peddling woman they see on the corner of their street. Ferocious, political, and raw, Grandmas House are captivating to watch live, and the last year has seen them steadily building a back catalogue of stellar songwriting and striking music videos.

What the trio preach is common sense with compassion, and they don’t need nuance to tell you not to be a dick. Their music is oft-described as ‘bold in it’s message’ yet this descriptor falls painfully short, suggesting that speaking out against a norm that declares injustice the standard should be heralded as an impressive feat. No, what makes Grandmas House bold is not their denouncement of bigotry (which at this point should be seen as the bare minimum), but their ability to unashamedly scream these messages of equality and togetherness on issues that they are directly affected by. Nothing - not homophobia, sexism, or xenophobia - can stop the members of Grandmas House from taking up the space they deserve and producing music that uplifts the discourses that need to be heard.

"A smile can be used as a mask from what is really going on in the real world"

Their latest single Always Happy - taken from their upcoming two-track cassette which is set to be released on 12th March through Brace Yourself Records - examines the trio's experience in dealing with pitfalls of social anxiety. On stage, the trio (made up of Yasmin Berndt [vocals, guitar], Poppy Dodgson [vocals, drums] and Zoë Zinsmeister [bass]) are the epitome of self-assuredness. They are the punk role models every thirteen year old girl needs - riotous, loud, and oozing confidence. Off stage, Always Happy tells a different story.

"Always Happy is a song we wrote about the social anxiety we all experience in some way or another particularly concerning social media, which gives the chance to easily convey a polished, perfect life which is often misleading - it’s not daily life, but snippets of the best parts. Moments of happiness and confidence that build to an image of contentment in the same way a smile can be used as a mask from what is really going on in the real world. The song is wrapped in sarcasm based on our experiences of being perceived as a certain person, particularly on stage, where we are overconfident, exaggerated versions of ourselves, and social anxiety appears far away. The lyrics are an ironic take, in the way that they are the complete opposite of how we sometimes feel and we think a lot of people can relate to this feeling.”

Although wrapped in sarcasm, you can be damn sure that when Yasmin wears a suit jacket, I want to be her. Grandmas House are well-practiced entertainers, having played nearly every iconic venue in Bristol and supported acts such as Stef Chura, Frankie Cosmos and Rita Lynch. With their fearless energy poured into the new video, there’s so much to love. From easter eggs referencing past singles to the pure, unwavering decadence of lounging in a park with grapes, cigars, and wine, whilst being fanned by your bandmates - it’s perfection.

Needless to say, Grandmas House have once again knocked it out of the park on this one. To those also suffering through the constant stress of social anxiety, may this track act as a balm and a reminder that even though mental health can take its toll, you can still create great things and make your voice heard.

Stream Always Happy here.