cotton crown is out + a demo (not from the album) for paid subs

Cotton Crown has been out a week. The response has been great and I’m very grateful.

Though I found it anxiety-inducing at first because I basically wear an electric shock collar which activates whenever I notice myself feeling happy or like I’ve achieved something. And because I’m a pretty happy and productive person, I get shocked quite often. The ideal situation for me is to receive a slow drip of validation, to remain trapped in a semi-successful purgatory where I can dream of being more successful. So I spent the release day half-hoping something would go wrong and restore the cosmic balance of the universe. But nothing did, save for some predictably bad reviews from the Germans and the Dutch who have always taken a national dislike to The Tubs. Freud had stuff to say about aversion to achievement. Julie Miller writes:

“Some individual patients developed conspicuous neurotic symptoms at a point when they had begun to fulfill achievement-oriented strivings. Freud suggested…this was unconsciously equated with the attainment of oedipal desires. It was proposed that the guilt and fear of retaliation associated with the fantasied oedipal victory made the prospect of success fraught with dread and with the need to sabotage achievement in the service of escaping anticipated parental retribution.”

I’m sure he’d also have something to say about the endless physical and digital reproductions of the artwork- my dead mother breastfeeding me in a graveyard- too. But I’m feeling better now and, like I say, grateful for all the support so happy to ignore all of the above and start rocking out on our tour next week. Max is back on his feet but the nerves haven’t reached his hand yet so we’ll be joined by Craig from Former Champ & Savage Mansion. This will also be the first outing for our new axeman Dan, too.

Below the paywall I’ve also included a demo of an unheard song (not from either album or the EP) as a thank you for the paid subs. Thanks again for all the love and I promise not to unconsciously sabotage our achievement in the service of escaping anticipated retribution x