FAUX MACHISMO – ARTEMISIA

Around the early 1620’s, Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi created one of her most striking works – Judith Slaying Holofernes.

Art historians believe that Judith was a representation of Artemisia herself, and “Holofernes” a representation of her father’s colleague Agostino Tassi – who had raped his student.

“When I saw myself free, I went to the table drawer and took a knife and moved towards Agostino, saying ‘I’d like to kill you with this knife because you have dishonored me.’”

Over 400 years later, Leeds two-piece Faux Machismo tap into the vitriol Gentileschi manifested onto the canvas with the aggressive, grungy energy of “Artemisia”, released digitally from February 5th through MUZAI Records.

Despite all the progression that has taken place across 400 years, from the Suffragette movement, through to the first wave of feminism and even up to 2021 where the United States saw its first female P.O.C sworn in as Vice President, there still problem regarding equity, human rights and violence towards women.

“Artemisia” may seem simple lyrically (as singer/guitarist Maeve Munro describes the painting itself), but it’s that venom from Gentileschi’s work is channeled through biting vocals, crashing drums from Anna Ridley and contentious guitar tones.

Ahead of the February 5th release date, the band have released a re-recorded version of “Shake The Bones”, originally from the band’s self-titled EP, as both a primer ahead of “Artemisia” and as their second to last effort ahead of working towards their debut album.

Artemisia is released February 5th 2021 by MUZAI Records through all leading digital outlets.

The Genesis of "Artemisia"

Faux Machismo's "Artemisia" did not emerge from a vacuum. The track is the culmination of years of simmering frustration and a deep engagement with feminist art history. Maeve Munro, the band's vocalist and guitarist, has spoken about how discovering Artemisia Gentileschi's work was a turning point. "I remember seeing Judith Slaying Holofernes for the first time and just being floored by the raw anger in it," Munro said in an interview with a local Leeds zine. "It wasn't the sanitized, passive female figure you see in so much classical art. This was a woman taking violent, decisive action against her oppressor. That resonated with me on a visceral level."

The song's lyrics, while seemingly straightforward, are layered with references to Gentileschi's trial and the torture she endured to prove her testimony. The line "I'd like to kill you with this knife because you have dishonored me" is lifted directly from court transcripts, a fact that Munro emphasizes. "We wanted to use her own words, not paraphrase. It's important that her voice is heard, even 400 years later." Drummer Anna Ridley adds, "When Maeve brought the initial riff to practice, I knew immediately it had to be brutal. The drums needed to sound like a heartbeat racing with adrenaline, or maybe like the thud of a body hitting the floor."

The band's decision to name the song after the artist rather than the painting itself was deliberate. "It's not just about that one act of violence," Munro explains. "It's about her entire life, her struggle to be recognized as a serious painter in a world that dismissed women. 'Artemisia' is a tribute to her resilience as much as her rage."

Recording and Production

"Artemisia" was recorded in late 2020 at Greenmount Studios in Leeds, with producer James Atkinson (known for his work with local punk and noise acts). The band opted for a live, raw sound, tracking most of the instruments in a single room to capture the energy of their live performances. "We didn't want it to sound polished," Ridley states. "This isn't a song about perfection; it's about messy, ugly emotions. So the recording needed to reflect that."

Munro's guitar tone on the track is particularly noteworthy. She used a heavily distorted Fender Jaguar through a cranked tube amp, layering multiple takes to create a wall of sound. "I wanted it to sound like a swarm of bees," she laughs. "Or maybe like a knife being sharpened. Something dangerous and uncomfortable." The bass, played by Munro on the recording, was run through a fuzz pedal to add grit, while Ridley's drums were miked closely to emphasize the attack of each hit.

The production process was intentionally minimal. Atkinson captured the band's live energy without excessive overdubs or effects. The result is a track that feels immediate and confrontational, with every instrument fighting for space in the mix. "We mixed it so that nothing is polite," Atkinson says. "The vocals sit right in your face, the guitars are abrasive, the drums are pummeling. It's meant to be overwhelming."

Lyrical Analysis and Themes

At first glance, the lyrics of "Artemisia" are stark and repetitive, built around the central quote from Gentileschi's trial. But a closer examination reveals a careful construction. The verses alternate between descriptions of the painting's violent scene and more abstract expressions of anger and defiance. The chorus, a shouted repetition of "I'd like to kill you with this knife," becomes a mantra of empowerment, transforming a victim's words into a battle cry.

Munro explains the lyrical approach: "We didn't want to tell a story in a linear way. The song is more about capturing a feeling—that moment when rage overtakes fear. The repetition is intentional; it's like a thought you can't get out of your head." The song also includes a spoken-word bridge, where Munro recites a list of statistics about violence against women, grounding the historical narrative in the present day. "That part is hard to listen to, but it's necessary," she says. "We can't pretend that Artemisia's story is just a relic of the past."

Thematically, "Artemisia" connects to broader conversations in feminist punk and riot grrrl movements. Bands like Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, and more recent acts like Petrol Girls have used aggressive music to address gender-based violence and inequality. Faux Machismo positions themselves within this lineage while adding a historical dimension. "We're not the first to shout about this, and we won't be the last," Ridley notes. "But we hope that by invoking Artemisia, we can remind people that this fight has been going on for centuries."

Music Video and Visuals

To accompany the single, Faux Machismo released a music video directed by Leeds-based filmmaker Sarah Crow. The video, shot in stark black and white, intercuts footage of the band performing in a dimly lit warehouse with reenactments of the painting's composition. A woman, played by local actor Emma Hartley, is shown in period dress, slowly approaching a male figure with a knife. The video avoids graphic violence, instead focusing on the tension and the woman's determined expression.

"We wanted the video to be unsettling but not exploitative," Crow explains. "The painting itself is graphic, but we didn't want to recreate that gore. The power is in the anticipation, in the woman's agency." The video also includes close-ups of the band members' faces, emphasizing the intensity of their performance. "Maeve's eyes in that video are terrifying," Ridley laughs. "She was really in the zone."

The video premiered on the band's YouTube channel on February 1st, four days before the single's release. It quickly gained traction within the Leeds DIY scene and was shared by several feminist art blogs. The visual connection to Gentileschi's work has been praised for its respectful yet powerful homage.

Reception and Impact

Since its release, "Artemisia" has received positive reviews from music blogs and local press. Louder Than War called it "a ferocious slab of grunge-punk that channels righteous fury into a cathartic anthem." The Leeds Gig Guide praised the band's "unflinching commitment to confronting uncomfortable truths." The single has also been added to several Spotify playlists focused on feminist punk and new UK rock.

Beyond the critical response, the song has resonated with listeners who have experienced gender-based violence. The band has received messages from fans sharing their own stories and thanking them for giving voice to their anger. "That's the most important thing," Munro says. "If this song helps even one person feel seen or less alone, then we've done our job." The band has also used the release to raise awareness, donating a portion of the single's Bandcamp proceeds to Leeds Women's Aid, a local charity supporting victims of domestic abuse.

"Artemisia" has also sparked conversations within the music community about the representation of women in rock. Faux Machismo, as an all-female duo, are often asked about their gender in interviews, a question they find frustrating. "We're a band, not a novelty," Ridley states. "But if talking about our experiences as women helps to break down barriers, then we'll keep doing it." The single's success has led to increased attention for the band, including support slots for established acts like The Kut and Hands Off Gretel.

Connection to the Band's Broader Work

"Artemisia" is a significant step forward for Faux Machismo, both sonically and thematically. Their self-titled EP, released in 2019, showcased a raw, lo-fi punk sound with lyrics touching on personal and political topics. However, "Artemisia" represents a more focused and ambitious approach. The production is heavier, the songwriting more intricate, and the thematic scope broader.

The band has described "Artemisia" as a bridge to their upcoming debut album, which is currently in the writing stages. "The album will explore similar themes—anger, resilience, historical erasure—but with more variety," Munro reveals. "We're experimenting with different textures and dynamics. There might even be a ballad, though it'll still be loud." The album is expected to be released in late 2021 or early 2022, again through MUZAI Records.

Fans of "Artemisia" should also check out the band's re-recorded version of "Shake The Bones," which was released as a primer. The new version features a beefier production and a more confident vocal performance, hinting at the band's evolution. Both tracks are available on all major streaming platforms, and the band encourages listeners to purchase directly from their Bandcamp page to support their work.

Artemisia Gentileschi's Legacy in Modern Culture

The story of Artemisia Gentileschi has seen a resurgence in popular culture over the past decade. Her life has been the subject of novels, plays, and films, including the 1997 French film Artemisia and the 2020 documentary Artemisia Gentileschi: Warrior Painter. Her paintings have been exhibited in major museums worldwide, and in 2018, the National Gallery in London acquired a self-portrait, marking a significant recognition of her contribution to art history.

Faux Machismo's song is part of a broader movement to reclaim Gentileschi not just as a victim, but as a powerful artist who defied the constraints of her time. "She was a badass," Ridley says bluntly. "She painted herself as Judith, as an avenging angel. She didn't hide her trauma; she transformed it into art. That's what we're trying to do with our music."

By drawing a line from the 17th century to the present day, Faux Machismo highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The #MeToo movement, the fight for reproductive rights, and the global protests against femicide all echo the themes in Gentileschi's work. "Artemisia" serves as a reminder that the past is not past, and that art can be a weapon for change.

How to Support and Further Listening

If "Artemisia" has piqued your interest, there are several ways to support Faux Machismo and engage with the themes of the song. The single is available on all leading digital outlets, and the band's Bandcamp page offers high-quality downloads and merchandise. Following the band on social media is a great way to stay updated on their upcoming album and live shows.

For those interested in exploring similar music, MUZAI Records' catalog includes other releases that challenge conventions and push boundaries. Check out the label's Single Releases page for more recent drops, or browse the Albums section for full-length works. Fans of experimental and heavy sounds might also enjoy DUHKQUNT – SPACE COMMUNION, another MUZAI release that defies easy categorization.

Finally, consider learning more about Artemisia Gentileschi herself. Visit a museum with her works, read a biography, or watch a documentary. Her story is a testament to the power of art to confront injustice, and Faux Machismo's "Artemisia" is a worthy tribute to that legacy.