Project Description
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THE IRONING MAIDENS
‘BREATHE OUT’
Single Review
(8th October 2021)
Review by Melanie Griffiths
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“As if turning a cruel stereotype into a piece of art wasn’t enough, The Ironing Maidens are rocking inventive sounds and inspirational girl power.” Music is My Muse
“In her introduction Melania spoke of ironing the wrinkles of patriarchy” and linked the development of the electric washing machine with the synthesiser developed by electronic music pioneer Daphne Oram. This juxtaposition, much like their name, locates The Ironing Maidens at the intersection of music and gender politics. It might seem like a shtick at first but it’s so thoughtfully executed in composition and performance that it makes most rock bands look naive” Cyclic Defrost Review
“From the techno banger of the title track to the ambient synthesis of ‘The Dangers of Ironing’, The Ironing Maidens have brought the invisibility of women’s work and influence [in the industry] to the forefront” Purple Sneakers
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“As an electronic track “Breathe Out” is a wonderous outing that aims to elevate about the fray.”
Award-winning electronic duo The Ironing Maidens newest single, “Breathe Out” is not only a meditative electronic song on the role of women in domestic labour and technology but also is a homage to the mother of electronic music Daphne Oram.
The duo of Patty Preece and Melania Jack has a reputation for being innovative as they question the social norms that affect many women. In their music, they incorporate common domestic tools such as ironing boards to create samples that are surprising yet hold a tone of familiarity. In “Breathe Out” the song utilises an ironing board, irons along and deep electronic melodies and analogue beats to create a comforting song. The song is also peppered with Oram’s voice as she speaks of her time at BBC. Her inclusion makes the themes of female roles and egalitarianism within “Breathe Out” feel that much more real.
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“Here I am, this is that part. I could feel the splintering. Now it’s so dark.”
First getting an outing at the 2020 Adelaide Fringe Festival, “Breathe Out” was intended for an earlier release but all that halted when COVID hit. The song told from Melania’s POV tells of her near-death experience whilst hanging out the laundry. She crosses to the other side to be met by Daphne Oram, a trailblazer within the electronic industry and who established the BBC radiophonic workshop. But even with her brilliance and contribution, she felt misvalued and overlooked. These mirror the feelings of Melania who chooses to keep going despite the burden of unpaid domestic work and a career/passion. Over time the song has now taken a deeper nuance as many of us have found ourselves in a similar situation, having to juggle work, homeschooling and an increased domestic workload because of COVID.
And instead of being a song of anger “Breathe Out” chooses to look inward rather than out. Patty Preece and Melania Jack desire recognition, “Here I am, this is that part. I could feel the splintering. Now it’s so dark.”
As an electronic track “Breathe Out” is a wonderous outing that aims to elevate about the fray.
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Follow THE IRONING MAIDENS
Website – Facebook – Instagram
Soundcloud – iTunes – YouTube
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Photo by super talented photographer Cristina @ THE PHOTO CORNER
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BIO
The Ironing Maidens Live Electronic Experience is the absolute most fun you will ever have while thinking about the housework. Ingeniously adapting real irons and ironing boards into electronic instruments, this performance is a high energy, captivating explosion of dancing, visuals, wit, humour and steamy hot sounds. With house inspired tracks built from real world laundry sounds and samples, the Ironing Maidens set bangs like an unbalanced washing machine and you will be dancing your way to a wrinkle free, electro future.
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Press Release 1st October 2021 (below) HERE
THE IRONING MAIDENS
release their new single
‘BREATHE OUT’
today
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