Gen and the Degenerates are described as “party starters and agents of chaos” yet the Liverpudlian group show they’re more than that on ‘Kids Wanna Dance’. Leaning into a post-punk sound, it sees the quintet serve up an anthem for the disenfranchised.
There’s no doubt about it we’re living in uncertain times, yet Gen and the Degenerates are on hand to provide the party soundtrack to the apocalypse. ‘Kids Wanna Dance’ epitomises what the five-piece is about; trying to make sense of this confusing world while trying to have a good time.
“This song is about trying to reconcile the knowledge that the future of our world is very uncertain, getting up each day and trying to build a life for ourselves. Beyond that, we all want to find a way to make those lives enjoyable,” explains Gen and the Degenerates vocalist Genevieve Glynn-Reeves. “Not only is the quality of life getting lower, but our politics and economy are volatile; we have to ask ourselves questions like ‘Is it even ethical to have children?’ because of the state that previous generations have left the planet in.”
Without a doubt, there is a punk-fuelled spine to ‘Kids Wanna Dance’s lyrical core. The departing repeated lines of “We don’t care, We’re desensitized” highlights Gen and the Degenerates‘ societal angst. “It seems that if people want to spend all their time making stupid videos on TikTok or spend all their money frivolously, then why shouldn’t they?” adds Genevieve. “There are no stable careers, and they won’t be able to afford a house anyway. We all need to find the joy we can and each our way of dancing through the end times.”
The arrival of ‘Kids Wanna Dance‘ comes as Gen and the Degenerates prepare to unleash their much-anticipated debut album. ‘Anti-Fun Propaganda’ is produced by Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, Amyl and the Sniffers, Drenge, Gang of Four) and highlights their growth so far. Following on from a smattering of singles, ‘Anti-Fun Propaganda’ is described as a “coming-of-age story” as they come to grips with dealing with late nights, early mornings, sexuality, gender politics and mortality while trying to survive their twenties. However, they’ve retained their youthful wit and charisma as past album singles, ‘Famous’ and the tongue-in-cheek ‘Big Hit Single’ show.
‘Anti-Fun Propaganda’ by Gen and the Degenerates is released on February 26th, 2024 on Marshall Records. Pre-0rder here.
Find Gen and the Degenerates on: Instagram | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | TikTok | Website
From Monday to Friday, we will spotlight a fresh track you need to hear.
Every week, we aim to showcase various music, from familiar favourites to emerging bands to DIY newcomers.
Want to submit your new track for a potential ‘Song of the Day’ selection? Head here to share your details.
