It’s an exciting time for Leeds based Bruising. Not only are they about to release their double A-side single, ‘Honey’ and ‘Emo Friends’, (pre-order now) the garage surf-punks are also set to hit the road for an almost entirely sold out tour alongside Los Campesinos!. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s the very first time the band will be travelling together in a van.
“As well as playing some of our biggest shows, with one of our favourite bands it’s going to be even more momentous as it will be our first tour in a van, without Ben driving us all cramped in the back of a car,” the band tell us. “As a band we have spent a lot of time driving around the country and pretty much top of the list is always what we’re going to listen to, it’s a very democratic system, someone plugs in their phone and we take it in turns choosing a song each, very rarely is power of veto employed.”
With that in mind, we asked Bruising to tell us their top 10 songs to sing along together to in a van. Here’s what they came up with:
Talking Heads – ‘Road To Nowhere’
An apt driving song, especially if you’re in the process of getting lost on your way to a venue. Also features great group vocals and weird shouty bits, perfect for a band a singalong.
Drake – ‘Hotline Bling’
Because it should be on every playlist, ever. We haven’t yet driven anywhere since the video has been released so we will see how that goes for seat dancing.
The Breeders – ‘No Aloha’
The Breeders are one of the biggest influences on us when writing songs. This one is great for steering wheel drumming when it kicks in.
George Harrison – ‘Got My Mind Set On You’
There had to be something Beatles affiliated here. Our friend Jack who drummed for us for a bit introduced this initially I think. Perfect massive 80s pop featuring more group vocals.
The Babies – ‘Mess Me Around’
We all love The Babies, and Kevin Morby and Cassie and pretty much everything they do and this is just an awesome garage pop song!
Weezer – ‘Say It Ain’t So’
This could have probably been anything off the Blue Album but this one is just an ultimate cathartic banger. Great for screaming along to!
Taylor Swift – ‘Bad Blood’
It’s so hard to just choose one Swifty song. We’re all huge pop fans and have no shame in that. 1989 is probably one of the most listened to albums for us. Perfect for yelling along to emotionally while trying not to fall asleep at the wheel.
Fleetwood Mac – ‘Second Hand News’
This song soundtracked the four of us and all our kit squeezing into a Ford Ka to go play a festival in Leicester, it might have been the only thing that got us through.
Radiator Hospital – ‘Cut Your Bangs’
We love RadHos a lot and have covered him/them at shows before. We’re big fans of sad songs disguised as fun noisy pop songs.
Elvis – ‘Patch It Up’
One trip back from London our bassist James took control of the playlist for some serious jams and this was the pick of the bunch, an under rated classic from The King.
Catch Bruising on tour on the following dates, including a recently announced run alongside Diet Cig.
NOVEMBER
18 BRISTOL Exchange (SOLD OUT)*
19 GLASGOW Stereo (SOLD OUT)*
20 LEEDS Brudenell Social Club (SOLD OUT)*
21 BRIGHTON Hope and Ruin (SOLD OUT)*
22 LONDON Instore at Rough Trade West at 3pm
22 LONDON Scala (SOLD OUT)*
23 LONDON The Victoria, Dalston (free headline show)
JANUARY 2016
09 SHEFFIELD Bungalows and Bears**
10 GLASGOW Broadcast**
11 BRISTOL Louisiana**
12 LONDON Old Blue Last DIY Hello 2016**
* with Los Campesinos!
** with Diet Cig