Next Wave #621: Tuff Love

Plus: stream new EP 'Dross' right now...

It's the laughter that gets you. Sure, Tuff Love may have a crisp, imposing sound – one that matches off kilter riffs against bracing, often emotional lyrics – but, on the phone, the Glasgow duo just like having a giggle.

Real names Julie Eisenstein and Suze Bear, the two met at a party but were initially too inimidated of one another to actually converse. “We met through friends a few years ago in Glasgow. The Glasgow lesbian mafia!” laughs Julie. Suze adds: “We met at a party but we didn't speak to each other because I was scared of Julie and Julie was scared of me.”

Eventually, though, ice was broken and musical conversation commenced. Finding the same reference points, the same likes and dis-likes the two began sharing ideas – and found that Tuff Love immediately clicked into place. “It sounds a really stupid thing to say, but I've never met anyone who I clicked with, songwriting-wise. It wasn't like we had to compromise, it just worked. It's quite unusual.”

Deciding to get out and play shows almost immediately, Tuff Love quickly began a fixture amongst Glasgow's tight-knit and ever-fertile music scene. “I think it was a really amazing place to start a band,” affirms Suze. “Lots of people were really up for playing gigs with us and inviting us to do stuff. The people who came to the gigs were generally really supportive and helped us get established.”

Coming to the attention of Lost Map Records – run by indefatigable creative force The Pictish Trail – the duo hooked up with an extra drummer to lay down some material for new EP 'Dross'. Working in Julie's flat using second hand hit, Tuff Love quickly settled upon a sound which was as sweet as it was sour, as chaotic as it was planned, as melodically enticing as it is lyrically formidable. “We like our songs to actually sound happy but to be utterly miserable,” explains Suze. “We're highly emotional people and that comes through.”

A bustling hive of energy, Tuff Love HQ is currently plotting material for their debut album, but the pair admit that they can't wait to get back out on the road. “We're trying to polish our live show up but we're also gearing up for lots of songwriting,” explains Suze. “I suppose whenever we're in Glasgow we're songwriting and recording,” adds Julie. “We can just do it at home. That's the thing I get most excited about, that's the reason I like doing this. I like playing live and stuff too, but my favourite thing is writing songs. Hopefully they'll be more really very soon.”

Out on February 9th via Lost Map, check out 'Dross' EP below.

Free tonight? In Glasgow? Why not check out Tuff Love at Nice N Sleazy? Full list of upcoming shows:

February
6 Glasgow Nice 'N' Sleazy
18 Coventry The Tin
19 London Shacklewell Arms
20 Bristol Roll For The Soul

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