Anglo-Maltese quartet ĠENN (pronounced Jenn) have announced a select 6-date ‘England Tour’ which will commence next month with a date in Leeds, followed by a handful of dates in November, these being in Norwich, Birkenhead, London, Southampton and here in Brighton at the Green Door Store on 19th November, courtesy of FORM promoters.
ĠENN comprise of Janelle Borg – guitars (she/her), Sofia Rosa Cooper – drums (she/they), Leona Farrugia – vocals (she/they), and Leanne Zammit – bass (she/her), and they released their debut album ‘unum’ on 6th October 2023 through Liminal Collective. The record came off the back of their ‘Calypso’ single which was the most understated cut from the record. Dreamy guitars underpin vocalist Leona Farugia – who barely raises her voice above a whisper. Resonating sax lines add to the oneiric atmosphere, before cymbals crash into life during the latter half – still only ever heard at a distance, so the effect is psychedelic and symphonic, rather than caustic. Their most recent release being their ‘Reverberations’ single which dropped last October.
With three of the quartet being Maltese nationals living in the UK and the band’s drummer coming from a Jamaican-Portuguese background, it is important for them to honour these links. Societal and political events at home have shaped their worldview, one key concern being the ongoing pro-abortion movement in Malta. Being in their unique position as migrants from a Commonwealth background now operating in the UK – they feel a responsibility to talk about how race, nationality, and art intertwine in the post – Brexit landscape.
Majority queer, the first iteration of the band started over a decade ago. Over this time they have built determined bonds as a self – described sisterhood, founded on instinctive trust and affection. This has led to a resolutely independent streak – as evidenced by the visual world entirely created by lead-vocalist Leona, as well as the establishment of the Liminal Collective through which they release their music.
Catching ĠENN live in action is always a pleasure and we have previously reviewed them on a number of occasions, including their two appearances at the annual ‘Homegrown Festival’ held right across Brighton & Hove in multi-venues each April. To give you a feel of ĠENN in action, here are those reviews:
Homegrown Festival, Green Door Store, 12.4.25
I must confess that when it comes to ĠENN I’m a bit biased. I’ve seen them twice before and they’ve been jaw-droppingly good. I quite honestly believe that they’re one of the most interesting and inventive bands around just now. They’re a melting pot of influences, the result of which is a sound which is unlike anybody else. Their set starts with ‘Rohmeresse’, which is also the opening track from their album, ‘Unum’. There’s a North African flavoured guitar intro and then the whole thing spectacularly explodes. There is a little bit of tapping from guitarist Janelle during the intro for ‘Days And Nights’. Vocalist Leona’s martial arts moves are still in place, and the vocals and guitar mesh wonderfully. For the intro to ‘Wild West’ Janelle plays her guitar with a screwdriver, and she also employs a violin bow during ‘The Merchant Of’, whilst managing not to sound in the least bit like Jimmy Page. Whilst the band don’t sound like Led Zeppelin, there are definite parallels, in the way that the musicians play together. There is a musical communion going on here. ĠENN are far greater than the sum of their parts. How they are not better known is a mystery to me. (Mark Kelly)
Homegrown Festival, Revenge Club, 11.4.26
Over at Revenge, Ġenn deliver a performance that feels like a statement of intent. Long overdue for a catch up on my watchlist, they arrive sharper, tighter and more assured than ever. Their Maltese roots subtly inform the sound, with flashes of Breed 77-style rhythmic intensity, but it’s the sheer force of the performance that stands out. Leona’s vocals are immense – powerful, expressive and completely commanding – backed by a band operating with pinpoint precision. It’s extravagant, immersive and unrelenting; dark, hypnotic and euphoric all at once. (Sara-Louise Bowrey)
You now know what to do! Purchase your tickets for their Green Door Store headline concert HERE.
