Bristol’s LICE are back with a brand new single Conveyor, via their own label Settled Law.

LICE first gained national attention with debut single The Human Parasite, which we loved, and which established a literate, eccentric brand of satirical art-punk.

But what has followed has been a complete about-turn. Disillusioned with the sonic conservatism, twee platitudes and toothless commentary of the ‘satirical guitar music boom’ they were now aligned with, LICE began a period of sonic and lyrical experimentation – subverting the prevailing aesthetics and ideas of contemporary punk. They forged a new line in driving, experimental art-rock. Taking cues from science fiction and early 20th century polemicists, their new lyrics use vivid prose-based vignettes (replete with sharp character arcs, black humour and absurdist storylines) to set out bold stances on satire, humanity, and the content and direction of art.

Conveyor the first of these new songs, brings us to The Wasteland – the nationless space inhabited by the new music’s stories and cast of characters. We are introduced to its raging, Shakespearian protagonist The Conveyor, and their mission to expose the mysterious R.D.C.’s plots to engineer the human race’s self-destruction; a journey that will take us through sci-fi odysseys and Burroughsian grotesques. LICE thereby declare a new period, presenting a satirical music commensurate to these militant years.

Sound fun? Give it a listen.

BRITISH SERATAS TOUR

10th March – Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club
11th March – Glasgow, Hug and Pint
12th March – Manchester, Castle Hotel
13th March – Newcastle, Cluny 2
14th March – Birmingham, Dead Wax
16th March – Southampton, Heartbreakers
17th March – Brighton, Green Door Store
18th March – London, Shacklewell Arms
19th March – Bristol, The Island