TWO TONNE MACHETE emerge from North West England and North Wales as a vibrant, feminist alt-punk force, staking their claim in the contemporary punk landscape with unapologetically raw energy and socially conscious messaging. Fronted by Emily on vocals, guitar, and keys, alongside Ro on bass, Thibaut on drums, and Mark on lead guitar, the band channels their fury and creativity into music that is simultaneously ferocious and melodic. Their sound is an exhilarating collision of punchy, bass-driven intensity, razor-sharp guitar riffs, and powerful, emotive vocals that command attention from the very first note. Drawing influence from the likes of Mannequin Pussy, IDLES, Amyl & The Sniffers, and Distillers, TWO TONNE MACHETE have cultivated a sound that is recognizably punk yet refreshingly original. With a strong political ethos at their core, the band fearlessly confronts misogyny, control, radical politics, toxic masculinity, protest, and dissent, embedding urgency and depth in every riff, lyric, and drumbeat.
TWO TONNE MACHETE’s single “PIGS PIGS” was released on November 28th, 2025, and it stands as a definitive statement in contemporary protest punk. From the opening seconds, the track commands attention with a wall of sound composed of industrial-edged guitars, punchy bass, and thunderous drums. This sonic intensity mirrors the urgency of the lyrics, establishing a direct and visceral connection between the listener and the political realities the song addresses. “PIGS PIGS” is unflinching in its commentary on the policing of dissent in the United Kingdom, capturing the anxiety, anger, and determination of a generation confronted by state violence. TWO TONNE MACHETE harness this energy with precision, ensuring that the track is both chaotic in its emotional delivery and meticulously structured in its musical execution. It is a song designed to provoke thought and galvanize action, with every element of the composition serving the message. The opening riff immediately immerses the audience in a sonic landscape that is aggressive yet intricately layered, signaling that this is not just music for entertainment but music as a call to arms and solidarity.
The vocals on “PIGS PIGS” are a masterclass in controlled fury. Each line is delivered with raw emotion, slicing through the dense instrumentation with a presence that is impossible to ignore. The performance balances rage with vulnerability, allowing the listener to feel the personal stakes inherent in the song’s narrative. The repeated chant “Lights, gather, remember, to RUN!” functions as both a rallying cry and a moment of communal energy, connecting the listener to the broader struggle against oppression. The clarity and intensity of the delivery ensure that the lyrics are not lost in the music but rather amplified, resonating as both protest and catharsis. Every inflection, every note, and every pause is purposeful, emphasizing the urgency of the song’s political and emotional message. The vocals do not simply accompany the instruments; they lead the charge, guiding the listener through the sonic and thematic terrain with authority and passion. The effect is visceral, creating an immediacy that few tracks in the contemporary punk landscape can match.
Instrumentally, “PIGS PIGS” is a sophisticated exercise in controlled chaos. The guitars churn with industrial aggression, their distorted edges cutting through the mix and driving the song forward. The bass provides a muscular foundation, anchoring the chaotic elements while adding a layer of depth that supports the song’s intensity. The drums are relentless, propelling the track with precision while punctuating key lyrical moments to heighten their impact. Despite the aggressive instrumentation, there is careful attention to dynamics and pacing, with strategic pauses and shifts allowing moments of reflection and anticipation. This approach ensures that the song never feels overwhelming or directionless but instead delivers a structured, cathartic experience. The band demonstrates an extraordinary cohesion, with each instrument complementing the others in service of the song’s thematic and emotional goals. The music is raw, urgent, and unflinching, yet it is crafted with a meticulous attention to detail that elevates it above simple noise or aggression.
Lyrically, “PIGS PIGS” is uncompromising in its critique of systemic injustice and state violence. Drawing inspiration from the heavy-handed policing of the Sarah Everard vigil, the song addresses real-world tactics such as kettling, tasers, and criminalization of peaceful protest. Every line is a declaration of resistance, with lyrics that refuse ambiguity or subtlety in favor of direct confrontation. The song captures the fear, frustration, and anger of those targeted by oppressive structures while also celebrating the solidarity and resilience of communities that resist. The repeated motifs and calls to action embed the lyrics in the listener’s consciousness, transforming them into both a personal and collective statement. There is a poetic quality to the writing, balancing immediacy with resonance, ensuring that the song’s message is felt as well as understood. “PIGS PIGS” becomes more than a song; it is a document of lived experience and political urgency, translating activism into art in a manner that is both accessible and powerful.
The energy of “PIGS PIGS” is matched by its authenticity and context. As a feminist-fronted band with a DIY ethos, TWO TONNE MACHETE inject lived experience and political conviction directly into their music. The track does not feel manufactured or performative; it feels urgent, necessary, and organic. The combination of the commanding vocals with the intensity of the instruments creates a musical landscape that is both immersive and confrontational. This authenticity is crucial, particularly in a genre where political messaging can sometimes feel superficial. In “PIGS PIGS,” the alignment between message and music is total, with every aspect of the song reinforcing the others. The result is a track that is not only sonically compelling but also morally and emotionally resonant, demanding attention from anyone who listens. The band’s commitment to social justice, combined with their musical craftsmanship, positions the song as a critical entry in the contemporary punk canon.
Dynamic shifts within the song serve both musical and thematic purposes. The tension between high-energy sections and brief, strategic pauses amplifies the cathartic impact of the song, giving listeners space to process the intensity before plunging them back into the sonic maelstrom. These moments create anticipation, heightening the impact of the more explosive sections and enhancing the listener’s emotional engagement. The structural choices demonstrate thoughtful composition, proving that chaos and melody, aggression and clarity, can coexist without compromise. The track’s careful layering and intentional pacing highlight TWO TONNE MACHETE’s skill in translating political urgency into musical form. It is a balancing act that few bands execute with such precision, allowing “PIGS PIGS” to feel immediate, memorable, and deeply affecting. Each listen reveals new subtleties, underscoring the complexity behind the apparent simplicity of the punk aesthetic.
The communal and anthemic qualities of the song cannot be overstated. The repeated rallying chant encourages participation and solidarity, transforming the listener into part of the protest itself. The song bridges the gap between personal anger and collective resistance, turning frustration into a shared experience of empowerment. This is a hallmark of the most effective protest music, where the audience becomes a participant rather than a passive observer. The song’s live potential is enormous, with the high-energy instrumentation and call-and-response elements perfectly suited for performance settings. “PIGS PIGS” thrives in these environments, reinforcing the connection between audience and message while amplifying the cathartic release that punk music uniquely provides. Its ability to unite listeners under a banner of defiance is a testament to TWO TONNE MACHETE’s vision and artistic skill.
PIGS PIGS Is A Relentless, Politically Charged Punk Anthem By TWO TONNE MACHETE, Channeling Rage, Resistance, And Solidarity While Confronting State Oppression With Raw Energy, Defiant Vocals, And Uncompromising Intensity
Ultimately, “PIGS PIGS” is a tour de force that captures anger, resistance, and solidarity in a concentrated burst of sonic energy. It combines aggressive instrumentation, memorable melodic hooks, and incisive political commentary to create a track that is both exhilarating and urgent. The song embodies the very ethos of contemporary protest punk, demonstrating that music can remain a powerful tool for resistance and social engagement. TWO TONNE MACHETE have crafted a song that is as impactful on record as it is on stage, reaffirming their place as one of the UK’s most vital emerging alternative acts. “PIGS PIGS” is not just music; it is a rallying cry, a cathartic experience, and a reminder that punk remains a formidable medium for social commentary and community solidarity in the modern age. Its release marks a milestone in the band’s trajectory, and the upcoming music video premiere on December 11th at 18:00 GMT promises to bring the track’s urgency and message to an even wider audience.
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