Eve Libertine's latest album is a sonic manifestation of the raw energy and unbridled anger that defined Crass, one of punk's most notorious anti-establishment acts, during their heyday in the 1970s and early 1980s.
The British singer-songwriter's collaboration with Chilean guitarist Eva Leblanc on Live at the Horse Hospital is a testament to the band's enduring influence and relevance. Recorded live at a blistering London show in April 2024, the album is as provocative and confrontational as ever, featuring Libertine's signature operatic vocals and introspective lyrics that continue to resonate with young women today.
Libertine's memories of Crass's early days are tinged with humor and irony. "We never had much fun, to be honest," she quips, recalling the band's anti-nuclear activism and their notorious performances, which often left audiences bewildered. The legendary song Rocky Eyes, with its haunting lyrics about a desolate landscape, was inspired by Rimbaud's own observations of the devastation wrought by nuclear war.
The track that sparked controversy in 1981 - Bata Motel, accused of being obscene pornography - is now seen as a powerful commentary on the objectification of women. Libertine's retelling of the story, including the ridiculous defense used in court and the judge's stern warning, reveals a sense of humor and irreverence that has defined her artistic persona.
Despite Crass's radical politics and provocative art, Libertine now rejects labels like "feminist" or "anarcho-punk," preferring to focus on the complexities of human emotion. Her music remains a call to action, urging listeners to confront their own fears and biases with compassion and empathy. The result is an album that is both a nostalgic tribute to Crass's legacy and a bold statement about the power of art to challenge our assumptions and inspire change.
With Live at the Horse Hospital, Eve Libertine cements her status as one of punk's most uncompromising voices, still pushing boundaries and sparking conversations that will linger long after the music fades away.
The British singer-songwriter's collaboration with Chilean guitarist Eva Leblanc on Live at the Horse Hospital is a testament to the band's enduring influence and relevance. Recorded live at a blistering London show in April 2024, the album is as provocative and confrontational as ever, featuring Libertine's signature operatic vocals and introspective lyrics that continue to resonate with young women today.
Libertine's memories of Crass's early days are tinged with humor and irony. "We never had much fun, to be honest," she quips, recalling the band's anti-nuclear activism and their notorious performances, which often left audiences bewildered. The legendary song Rocky Eyes, with its haunting lyrics about a desolate landscape, was inspired by Rimbaud's own observations of the devastation wrought by nuclear war.
The track that sparked controversy in 1981 - Bata Motel, accused of being obscene pornography - is now seen as a powerful commentary on the objectification of women. Libertine's retelling of the story, including the ridiculous defense used in court and the judge's stern warning, reveals a sense of humor and irreverence that has defined her artistic persona.
Despite Crass's radical politics and provocative art, Libertine now rejects labels like "feminist" or "anarcho-punk," preferring to focus on the complexities of human emotion. Her music remains a call to action, urging listeners to confront their own fears and biases with compassion and empathy. The result is an album that is both a nostalgic tribute to Crass's legacy and a bold statement about the power of art to challenge our assumptions and inspire change.
With Live at the Horse Hospital, Eve Libertine cements her status as one of punk's most uncompromising voices, still pushing boundaries and sparking conversations that will linger long after the music fades away.
I'm loving this new album from Eve Libertine! It's like she's taking all those years of anger and frustration from Crass and bottling it up into something raw and beautiful 
. The way she weaves together memories of her time with Crass, the music, and her own experiences is just so powerful 
And what I love most is how she's managed to keep all that energy and emotion alive while still finding a way to connect with new audiences 
. It's like she's saying, "Hey, we may have started out as a bunch of rebels, but our message is still just as relevant today". 
. It's like she's saying, "Hey, let's poke fun at our own biases, shall we?" 
And honestly, it's working – this album is both nostalgic and bold, a testament to her artistic genius 
, using music as a force for change and calling us out to confront our fears and biases. We're so lucky to have her 
she's like a punk rock icon or something! 
that just wants to tell you off 
. and then libertine comes along and is all "hey, i'm the one who's still screaming at you from the sidelines" 
. it's like she's taking crass's raw energy and making it her own thing 
.
️, but she's also got a wicked sense of humor 
. like, remember bata motel? 
that song is still super provocative today, but in a good way 
.
. and i am HERE. FOR. IT 
.
her vocals are insane and the lyrics are so raw and honest, i love how she's not afraid to tackle tough topics like feminism and identity 
i also need to know more about the story behind bata motel, it sounds like such a wild and crazy experience 
but at the same time its still super provocative and confrontational i love how she pokes fun at herself and her past experiences too, like with that court case song - it shows that she's not afraid to be silly or irreverent 
she's got this voice that just sends shivers down my spine and her lyrics are so relatable it's crazy how much still resonates today 
but at the same time, there's this depth to her music that's really inspiring i mean, who wouldn't want to challenge their own fears and biases with compassion and empathy? 
The fact that she's still making music that sparks conversations is a testament to her dedication to using her platform for good 
and also, can we talk about how ridiculous it is that they had to defend that song in court in 1981? 
i love how she's not afraid to poke fun at herself & the absurdity of it all still can't believe rocky eyes was inspired by rimbaud 
. And I love how she's not afraid to poke fun at herself and the absurdity of some of the situations they found themselves in 
. It's like she's taking all these complex feelings and emotions and turning them into music that's both cathartic and thought-provoking. Can't wait to give it a listen! 