The Van T’s make an explosive return and dedicate their fiery new single – ‘Suis-Je Cool?’ – to all those struggling to fit in.
The Van T’s are one of those bands that bring out my greedy side. They release a new single; I want an album. They play a show; I want a tour. And, having waited for over a year for their new single ‘Suis-Je Cool?’ (out now, listen below), I’m already craving more from this band.
For the uninitiated, this Glasgow four-piece is made up of twin sisters Chloe Van Thompson (vocals, guitar) and Hannah Van Thompson (vocals, guitar) alongside Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums). The past year saw them matched with a female producer mentor as part of the pioneering ReBalance programme. They have also appeared at Live At Leeds, TRNSMT and Communion Festival and had support slots with the likes of The Jesus and Mary Chain, Wolf Alice, Honeyblood and Sunflower Bean.
From the thunderous and reverberating intro, reminiscent of The Cult classic ‘She Sells Sanctuary’, to the layers of fizzing and screaming riffs with luscious vocals – ‘Suis-Je Cool?’ demands to be played as loud as possible. Produced by Margo Broom (Fat White Family Band, Goat Girl, Calva Louise), this single is full of the frustration that the judgements of others and the questioning of ourselves brings about (“Because you hate me, because you want me, why do I even care?”). It’s a message most of us can probably relate to.
“The track itself is pretty fast and furious”, says Hannah. “It’s our first track released in over a year so I guess we wanted it to be a reminder that The Van T’s are back. “Suis-je cool?” In French means, “Am I cool?” – it’s a song dedicated to those who feel they struggle to fit in, but should embrace everything about themselves. This song has a lot of passion and rage at the same time. Through this song, we wanted to put across an essence of lust and relentlessness. Essentially, it’s important to do what makes you strong and happy”.
With a message that resonates and a sound that captivates, ‘Suis-Je Cool?’ is simply another pure Van T’s banger.
