“Eighteen Crows” by Venus Grrrls

In 2023, Venus Grrrls frontwoman Grace Kelly underwent chemotherapy to treat her leukemia. As you might imagine, that made writing and recording music incredibly difficult for the Leeds-based band. But as their recent single “Eighteen Crows” makes very clear, Kelly and her bandmates have come roaring back from that experience with a vengeance.

Inspired by the riot grrrl movement as well as icons like Stevie Nicks and Siouxsie Sioux, the five-piece delivers a darkly intense sound highlighted by lead guitarist Eliza Lee’s searing riffs and Kelly’s powerful voice, which can growl, sigh, and soar with uncanny ease. The result is a goth-grunge gem that’s as catchy as it is heavy.

According to an interview from this past summer, Venus Grrrls are currently working on their debut album with Max Helyer (You Me at Six), who helped write and produce “Eighteen Crows.”