Feminist garage-punks The Baby Seals are set to release a new live album, Live From The Portland Arms, recorded when the group were playing at the Cambridge venue opening for no-wave legend Lydia Lunch and her band Big Sexy Noise. They're marking the album announcement with a new single, 'Irene', six skulking minutes of desert-rock groove and slow-build tension. It's heavy, compelling work, made with real purpose.

Kerry from the band explains a little of the inspiration behind the track:

“There's a quote that I love 'you don't have the power, you ARE the power'. When I gave birth to my son, I did it on breath alone, and I was in water (and pressing my clitoris—it sends pain relief to your body when in labour(!)) so it was a pretty magnificent centering primitive experience… I've always felt connected to water, I don't know if that's a universal experience we all have but I’ve always felt that. We're in the era of division, disinformation and polarization. It’s more important than ever to remind myself to focus on our oneness, our similarities rather than our differences."

Live From The Portland Arms is out 16 October 2026 via Trapped Animal.