In this interview feature, we get to know the most radicalist up and coming stars on the planet.

This time we caught up with scathing Scottish tearaways Sweaty Palms. 

Bursting onto the scene in the Autumn of 2017, Sweaty Palms pricked the ears of disillusioned youth and bored music journalists all over the country with their jagged punk and fearless, politically-charged lyrics. Upping the intensity with each quickly-delivered banger, (see List Picks 'Queer Fatwa' and 'Captain of the Rugby Team'), this volatile quintet have become impossible to ignore, popping up on line ups around the UK alongside an abundance of TMR favourites including LICE, Phobophobes, Bo Gritz and PINS to name a few. It's less than a year later and Sweaty Palms have just released their ram-shackled debut album Quit Now via Nice Swan Records (home to early works from Sports Team, Pip Blom & Dead Pretties).

We figured it was about time we got the scoop. 

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TMR: We first stumbled across Sweaty Palms when you released 'Queer Fatwa' as part of the brilliant RIP Introduces series last September. We'd love to know more about how you formed and how long you've been playing together?

Myself (Robbie), Ronan (guitar) and Monty (bass) formed SP in late 2012. Playing instruments neither of us knew how to play and firing through drummers every other week so it's been a rather slow burner. Tom (drums) joined a couple of years later after asking us to play a gig in Edinburgh, we never had a drummer at the time and had to politely decline - which he replied "I'll play", we've never looked back since.

TMR: Glasgow has a reputation for its vibrant music scene with its legendary venues and a rich history of brilliantly successful bands (Franz Ferdinand, Primal Scream and more recently CHVRCHES to name a few). How you do think it compares to other parts of the country that you've played? 

There's something for everyone in Glasgow, every night of the week. We sort of took this for granted until we started touring and realised how unique it really is. There's not really one defining genre to Glasgow, it's a free for all!

TMR: Quit Now has a really raw and visceral overall sound. What was the recording process like and did you have an idea about how you wanted the production to sound beforehand?

It was all recorded live to tape in Green Door Studios. We had no preconceptions for production beforehand, it all seems to come together in Green Door - every time we're in we are in complete flow. Also anything Emily MacLaren and Stuart Evans touch turns to gold. We'd recorded with them previously and wouldn't have even considered an alternative of who to do the album with.



TMR: Misogyny and lad-culture seem to be common themes on Quit Now, can you tell us more about why tackling these issues is important to you?

Growing up in lad culture first-hand has obviously had a huge impact, objectification and misogyny are completely normalised in our culture, especially as a young man growing up with an interest in football. Where boys are constantly being shot down for being shy and encouraged to be confrontational. High status as a male in my secondary school was granted either being really tough or good at getting girls and that was just the norm. This is something I was blind to until my late teens due to a lack of education, perhaps I'm trying to redeem myself. Though I'd like to emphasise we're only trying open this to discussion, in no way are we trying to patronise or liberate anyone. This is just something we all feel strongly about and if we can make one subtle change in someone's mind then a good job is done.

TMR: We're loving 'Transit Paul' at the moment. Do you have a favourite song on the album and if so what is it and why?

‘Transit Paul’ was written the night before we went in to record so that seems to be everyone's favourite at the moment as it hasn't been played to death quite yet.. We were making it up as we were going, first thought best thought! ‘Kellyanne’ will always have a place in my heart though.



TMR: If you could create the ideal environment in which to listen to Sweaty Palms what would it be?

Duck taped naked to a chaise longue beneath a picture of GG Allen.

TMR: Talking of your sound, do you all have similar musical influences and are there any stand-out artists that have shaped the band you are now?

All our music tastes are quite varied but I think the most obvious that shaped the band are the likes of The Birthday Party, The Fall and anything Ben Wallers touches. Dale Barclay and Laura St. Jude, who as well as being great friends inspire us to no end.

TMR: As a blog specialising in new music, we'd love to know if you've seen or heard any exciting new bands recently that you'd like to mention?

Yes! SP recommends: MOLD, Kaspar Hauser, WomenSaid, Steven Thomas, Kaputt & Acolyte!

TMR: Finally, what does the rest of 2018 hold for Sweaty Palms?

More music, more music and more touring.



-Holly Mullineaux