It feels like a lifetime ago when Mitt Romney referenced a "war on women" during the 2012 presidential cycle. A lot has changed, a lot has stayed the same -- but a new politically-charged band formed in the aftermath of that comment, calling themselves War On Women.
Now, roughly 14 years later, War on Women are releasing their fifth full-length album, Time Under Tension out May 8 on Smartpunk Records. At this point in time, Romney is essentially an answer for trivia night at the bar, but War on Women are as relevant as ever. Songs on the new record are about advocacy and adversity, but that doesn't mean the band doesn't also know how to lighten the mood.
We caught up with the band to learn what inspired Time Under Tension, getting a few surprising responses that will hopefully enhance your own appreciation of the new album.
They've already been touring in support of the new record, and will support Subhumans in Texas this May.
Top 6 Influences In The Creation of Time Under Tension
New Order - "The Perfect Kiss" (Sue - bass)
The music video specifically. I like Peter Hook's 'tude and his outfit in this video. I am trying to write more melodic bass parts sometimes, and I like how he does it. The going crazy at the end, playing a wrong note, and then staring right at the camera? That's what I'm talking about.
Spring Session M - The Missing Persons (Brooks - guitar)
This album was in my normal rotation at the time. It's an interesting band because all the players are very technical but writing pop music. And the singer, Dale Bozzio, rides the line between a punk and pop frontperson. I like the way the record sounds, I like the chord progressions, it's kinda new wave kinda rock.
Quartera - Anatolian Side of Cuba (Brooks - guitar)
This album takes traditional Cuban music (like the chord progressions and rhythms) and combines it with jazz in a really interesting way. It was inspirational to our album as a reminder to pull from different genres and feels and put that into what we do. This record also sounds really good -- and it's very cool to hear someone shredding on mandolin!
Animals As Leaders - "Monomyth" (Dave - drums)
Matt Gartska manages to make odd time signatures and complex drum parts groove. They may be complicated, but they're musical. For this record I wanted my drum parts to always be interesting and never distracting.
Beyonce - Renaissance (Shawna - vocals)
I was listening to Beyonce's Renaissance a LOT during this time. I have no idea if anything seeped through, but how could it not?
Fear starring Reese Witherspoon (Shawna - vocals)
I also watched the movie Fear (starring Reese Witherspoon) while on edibles, which clearly directly influenced my lyrics on "The Movie Fear Starring Reese Witherspoon." I don't know which element was the *most* influential. I also watched Underwater while high and did not write a song about that, sooooo...thank you, Reese, I guess.
WAR ON WOMEN SUPPORTING SUBHUMANS
May 06 Houston, TX @ Bad Astronaut
May 07 Corpus Christi TX @ House of Rock
May 08 San Antonio, TX @ Rah Rah Room
May 09 Austin, TX @ 29th Street Ballroom
May 10 Dallas, TX @ AM/FM
