International Clash Day London Broadcast Preview: Heavy Lungs

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Clash’s landmark album London Calling, KEXP will travel to London for a 4-day live broadcast and online event, featuring live performances and exclusive interviews. Heavy Lungs will take the Studio 9294 stage on Thursday, February 7 alongside fellow UK bands IDLES, Soviet Soviet, Queen Zee, and Goat Girl. Get familiar with the band before their performance below.

Bristol’s Heavy Lungs know a thing or two about writing ripping punk rock. After releasing their debut EP Abstract Thoughts and a split 7-inch single with IDLES in 2018, the band hit the ground running this year with the ripping single "Jealous" (which was recently featured as KEXP's Song of the Day). 

The song is the first sampling from the punk act's upcoming EP titled Straight to CD, which sees its release on Feb. 7 – which just so happens to be International Clash Day – via Balley Records. Heavy Lungs describe the release on their Bandcamp page as "a mix of aggressive caring for each other, this new ep is a collection of golden oldies and true blue tracks from HL, to you.” If you're a fan of the frantic, heavy riffs of Shame, Fontaines D.C., and Iceage then Heavy Lungs is definitely for you. 

KEXP spoke to Heavy Lungs about the significance of The Clash in a brief interview. Read below.

KEXP: What does The Clash mean to you and have they inspired your music at all?

Heavy Lungs: The Clash are and will be always an influence. From music to ethos, they did what they wanted and celebrated the cultures that make up the United Kingdom, something that can sometimes be forgotten about in certain tight-nit scenes. The Clash were a band of pioneers and very cool motherfuckers.

Do you find there to be parallels between the lyrical content and ethos of London Calling and the current state of England?

The parallels between London Calling and now are obvious if you listen closely. Joe Strummer had his finger on the pulse of current affairs, in the time that resonates with now very clearly. London Calling is a masterpiece. "Train in Vain" is favourite for sure.

What can audiences expect from your performance for KEXP's International Clash Day London broadcast?

You can expect sweaty topless gentlemen dishing Tinnitus left, right, and center. But also a new song and we hope everyone enjoys it across the pond.

Heavy Lungs will perform at KEXP’s International Clash Day London broadcast at 1:40 PM PST / 9:40 PM GMT on Thursday, February 7. Check out the full schedule of performances here. Watch the video for “Jealous,” directed by Marie Dutton, below.