Winter can be a struggle - Feather Trade's latest single extends a sympathetic hand
Transatlantic GothPunk rockers Feather Trade understand that the festive season isn’t always merry and bright.. Returning with an outstandingly powerful new single and video, ‘A Ready Defense‘, their genuine empathy for the tougher sides of life shines through.
The band – Natalie Gazaway on Bass, João Vaz on Drums and Chisolm Thompson on Vocals / Guitar – are gearing up for their debut studio album to be released next spring. Based between Manchester UK and Athens GA, a recent run of excellent UK tour dates have cemented their resolve to bring their music to many more people.

About the new release, Feather Trade have to say “In ‘A Ready Defense‘, both song and video, we wanted to offer something that brings attention to the struggles we all face at this time of year. In doing so, we wanted to remind everyone that we are together, as we share the common struggles. Some may not fight the same battles as you, but they may be anguished for ways to be your ally. You may have miles of challenges, but there is someone languishing to walk with you, or has walked in your shoes before“.
Interspersing shots of the band helping each other to climb a wintery hill, with friends holding banners displaying some shocking statistics, video maker Pete Tomkies has given Chisolm’s musical vision full impact:
Knowing that the images seen in the video may be a trigger point to some, and to others a call to action. the band recognize the urgency of this responsibility and have provided links that they hope will help in your time of need, or in your time of generosity.
See the links on their website HERE
Chisolm further explains “Deep down I think it brings out our best nature to want to look for the greater good in everyone, but I think we’re often tortured by the inability to find ways to do it. I’ve always struggled with guilt during the season of celebrating, knowing there’s so much loss out there during a time of excess, with so many with so little. It’s always most tragic when we’ve lost good friends to crushing loneliness, substance abuse, the weight of the world. I often reflect on the power of acknowledgement of other people. I often dwell on the homeless and the lonely and wish there was a way to give something more to people. Sometimes it seems the mid-winter season is the time when everyone genuinely endeavors to acknowledge and celebrate the existence of one another; of the recognition of dignity in someone else’s humanity“.
If ‘A Ready Defense‘, and their previous singles from this year ‘Big Nobody‘ and ‘Just Like Film‘ are anything to go by, next year’s album will be a cracker! Puntuation! Mag will of course bring you a review and all the Feather Trade news in 2024!

Follow Feather Trade on Their Socials:
Need more Punk In Your Life?


Griff and Michele are back with a Ska classic!
Follow-up single to their December hit ‘Christmas Smile’, Griff & Michele with one ‘L’ return with a cover of the 1968 Ska/Rocksteady/Reggae classic ‘54-46’, by


Crymwav to hit London on Friday!
West coast US rockers Crymwav (pronounced ‘Crimewave’) are crossing the pond to play a show at the famous Iron Maiden pub the Cart & Horses


Scarborough Punk Souvenir – are YOU in this fantastic photobook, by Phil Thorns?
Scarborough Punk Festival 2024 was an amazing event – top photographer Phil Thorns presents the best of the action! Published in a fabulous 72 page


Syama de Jong, ‘first lady’ of Dutch punk, passes away
Rest in Punk, Rest in Power, Saskia aka Sacha aka Syama de Jong! We shall never forget you. Herman de Tollenaere recounts her extraordinary legacy.


Peesh goes ‘Under the Radar’ in his new seasonal project!
Northumbrian punk singer-songwriter Peesh has just released a great new single, ‘Under the Radar’, to celebrate the first day of Spring – and to launch


Album review: Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts
March 2025 sees The Wildhearts return with their 11th studio album; ‘Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts’. Featuring their new line-up, coming out on a new
Usually found jumping around down the front at gigs, I also relish taking photos and videos, singing, speaking with fellow music fans, and asking musicians the questions nobody else does. Writing about my favourite bands and connecting with people who love music too keeps me more-or-less sane! I’ve worked for over 25 years at a video production company, mainly filming live music events, therefore I have an additional backstage perspective on the scene.