Blouse Club

Problem Patterns have got something to say and they're going to say it fucking loudly.  Unfiltered, raw and absolutely vital, queercore quartet Problem Patterns are angry. When Problem Patterns reconnected during a break in the pandemic, they realised that the mission was more important and the rage was extra-critical. This, surely, was punk rock time.

Problem Patterns are not limited by age or ability or binary identities. They don't have a front person, they swap instruments and roles to ensure that each member of the group has a voice. They espouse queer punk and they have shared touring schedules with Queen Zee, JOHN, Pink Suits and soon to be Bob Vylan.

They are part of a supportive musical community in Belfast that includes Gender Chores and Strange New Places. Live shows are celebratory and uplifting. Outbreaks of fun and positive havoc are part of the experience. The band's admiration for Bikini Kill and the riot grrrl movement led to an online conversation with the artist Kathleen Hanna, who they later went on to support (Bikini Kill) in Manchester and Glasgow.

"She's been part of relighting the fire," says Ciara, "and the trust and confidence we have in ourselves as a band. We've for more of a 'fuck it' than we've ever had. And we already had that. Punk provides protest songs and it provides a release for feelings."  Beverley agrees: "We're talking about what's currently happening right now. Always."