Artist: The Margaret Hooligans Single: The StoneHengers Genre: Garage Rock, Alternative Rock, Indie Rock Release Date: May 21st, 2024

"The StoneHengers," the seventh single from The Margaret Hooligans' forthcoming album ThunderHole Rock n’ Roll, exemplifies the band's talent for creating music that is both immediately accessible and richly layered. At first listen, the track comes across as an upbeat 90s rock song with driving electric ukulele riffs (yes, that’s a ukulele) and dynamic drumming. However, true to the band’s style, it quickly becomes apparent that there is more beneath the surface.

The Margaret Hooligans, consisting of Meg Cratty (electric ukulele, lead vocals) and Mr. Strontium (drums, teapot, backup vocals), have forged a unique sound by blending garage rock, proto-punk, funk, and soul. Their music draws from a wide array of influences, including The Who, James Brown, The White Stripes, and Fiona Apple, yet it remains distinctively their own. The decision to forego a bass player adds an intriguing element to their compositions, creating a sense of cathartic chaos that teeters on the verge of collapse but always manages to hold together.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Margaret Hooligans is their ability to infuse their music with social commentary. Previous singles from ThunderHole Rock n’ Roll have addressed issues such as dismantling the patriarchy in "Revenge of the ScarJo," questioning traditional masculine ideals in "Our Museum of Failure," confronting gun violence in "Alley Cat Stomp," and critiquing the prison industrial complex in "Driver!" This penchant for embedding deeper messages within their tracks sets "The StoneHengers" in a broader context. The song invites listeners to ponder whether it's simply a positive tune or a veiled call to action against societal divisions, maintaining the band's tradition of thought-provoking ambiguity.

Meg Cratty and Mr. Strontium's collaborative synergy is evident in their music’s rebellious spirit and eclectic sound. Cratty’s journey from composing songs to her cereal as a child to mastering the custom electric baritone ukulele after an injury is both inspiring and testament to her resilience. Meanwhile, Mr. Strontium’s drumming experience with bands like Latimer and his reserved persona provide a grounding counterbalance to Cratty's more public-facing role.

"The StoneHengers" is a testament to The Margaret Hooligans' ability to merge energetic performance with substantive content. The track’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody ensure it will be on repeat for listeners, while its underlying complexity invites deeper engagement. With a sound that would be perfectly at home in a Tarantino fight scene, the duo promises an exhilarating live show that is sure to captivate audiences. For fans of music that challenges and entertains, "The StoneHengers" is an essential addition to the playlist.

Check them out on socials:

https://www.themargarethooligans.com
https://www.facebook.com/themargarethooligans/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6u7M4Va5QH61Eg7uWU7c5x?si=Tk4rDzZDSimSJM0M0B1_fQ
https://soundcloud.com/user-736854621
https://themargarethooligans.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpb1q5GkK8G-Gg0UolGWi1w
https://instagram.com/themargarethooligans/
https://tiktok.com/themargarethooligans/

“The StoneHengers” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New Music

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.