Problem Patterns win Northern Irish Music Prize Album of the Year with ‘Blouse Club’

News

20 Nov

In the best news of the year, our friends and brilliant noisy queer punks Problem Patterns have just won the coveted ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2024 Northern Irish Music Prize with their debut album, Blouse Club, out now on Alcopop! Records. Known for their unapologetic feminist and queer punk anthems, the Belfast-based quartet — Alanah, Bethany, Bev, and Ciara — have cemented themselves as fierce voices for change, bringing a raw and deeply intentional edge to punk music today.

Blouse Club, the album that earned them this honour, dives into everything from social inequality to personal resilience with an intensity that’s both powerful and immediate. The band’s tendency to swap roles and instruments during recording adds a unique layer of camaraderie and unpredictability to their sound, while the lyrics tackle themes of healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and systemic injustice. Problem Patterns’ music isn’t just loud — it’s deliberate, energetic, and full of purpose, resonating with a generation grappling with urgent issues.

Reflecting on the win, Ciara King expressed the group’s excitement and gratitude:

“We’re a bit speechless about winning the album of the year. I guess it means so much to us to see a queer, feminist piece of work winning a prize of this scale. I think it makes me feel hopeful that queer voices are being appreciated. We absolutely did not expect to win and did cartwheels and tumbles on stage. We put everything we had into this album and we’re really proud of it. It’s a true reflection of who we all are as people. This means the world to a DIY punk band like us.”

The band has captured the attention of punk icons Kathleen Hanna and Henry Rollins, each of whom has praised their distinct sound and fearless approach to the genre. True to their roots, Problem Patterns infuse their music with a sharp edge that holds nothing back. Blouse Club includes the provocative track “Who Do We Not Save?” which critiques the state of the NHS, channelling widespread frustration with healthcare inequality in the UK.

In celebration of their award, Problem Patterns recently dropped Blouse Clubland, an electronic rework of their debut album that gives fans a fresh way to experience their music. This version includes a remix of “Who Do We Not Save?” with added vocals from Macy Rodman, host of the Nymphowars podcast. Rodman’s contribution, which includes her own verse, adds a powerful perspective on healthcare disparities from the American context.

The band shared their thoughts on this project:

“When it came to putting Blouse Clubland together, there was a point to be made that a message can be just as powerful through a dance lens.”

Available on limited-edition cassette alongside a loud Hawaiian-style shirt collaboration with The Dudes, Blouse Clubland embraces Problem Patterns’ signature DIY ethos. The band’s journey, from their DIY roots in 2018 Belfast to this award-winning moment, shows just how impactful punk music can still be.

Rounding out the year, Problem Patterns will be supporting Other Half at Voodoo Daddy’s in Norwich on 15 December and joining The Mary Wallopers at Belfast’s SSE Arena on 29 December. With Blouse Club and Blouse Clubland, Problem Patterns are keeping punk’s spirit of rebellion alive and well, and it’s brilliant to see them get the recognition they deserve.

Listen to Blouse Club and Blouse Clubland, and watch the video for the complete banger “Who Do We Not Save?”: