The Degenerates have made a name for themselves on the British post-punk and alternative scene, building an equally raucous, socially conscious and degenerate audience. Now they’re gearing up for their biggest project to date, their debut full length album, Anti-Fun Propaganda out on the 23rd February, and with it they bring the latest in a series of satirical, writhing and explosive singles- ‘Famous’.

Gen and the Degenerates may appear to be manifesting further success with their recent single titles – ‘Famous’ follows up the release of similarly titled ‘BIG HIT SINGLE’ – but you only need to hear the opening lines of these amusingly obnoxious titles to see that they are darker diatribes to the culture of celebrity and industry.

‘Famous’, as described by lead singer Genevieve ‘Gen’ Glynne-Reeves (she/they), “is a kind of poison pill disguised as a pop confection. It’s taking a satirical look at celebrity culture, materialism and where we draw our self worth from, but it’s masquerading as a sexy, unrequited love song”

The Degenerates have mastered the skill of delivering biting social commentary through vibrant punk anthems, but they also bring two conflicting thematic approaches, a particular warmth that arises out the hedonistic friendship of a band in their early 20s, and a darkness that comes when the vibrance of youth has been corrupted by the fraught nature of contemporary social issues.

Gen certainly embodies the fun and ferocity of the band. Their vocals on ‘Famous’, as well as her charismatic performance in its accompanying video make for an enchanting frontperson. But Gen and the Degenerates work as a friendship-driven collective.

This social aspect of their music looks to be prominent on Anti-Fun Propaganda, which they have described as “a coming-of-age story seeing the band find out who they are, and what they stand for. Late nights and early mornings, sexuality, gender politics and mortality, all while surviving your twenties in a volatile and confusing world fuelled by turmoil”.

Anti-Fun Propaganda will be released on the 23rd February via Marshall Records, produced and recorded by the renowned Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, Amyll and the Sniffers, The Kills)