Alt-rock quartet EL MOONO have released a video for their brand new single ‘Forced to Smile’, out now via Lockjaw Records. 

The band worked with Kieran Gallop (GLKMedia) at The Spire in Brighton to create the video for ‘Forced to Smile’. The juxtaposition of social and religious ‘normalities’ is portrayed through a ‘happy’ birthday party, with a vast spectrum of imagery.

Originally premiered via Distorted Sound Magazine, check out the video for ‘Forced to Smile’ here:

Stream/purchase ‘Forced to Smile’ here: https://elmoono.lnk.to/forcedtosmile 

El Moono comment on the new single:

“We’ve been sitting on this song in particular for over two years now and we’re so relieved and excited to finally be putting it out into the world. Since writing ‘Forced to Smile’, it feels as though the lyrics have come into sharper focus given the social/political landscape of the past year.

“The majority of Parliament have recently shrugged off the changing of vital laws that directly impact the LGBTQI+ community and how their gender/identification is legally recognised. This blatant dismissal of human rights is something we cannot accept in 2021 – ‘Forced to Smile’ is about not accepting our reality as ‘good enough’. The song also tackles the subject of toxic masculinity that is engrained deep into our society. Living day to day and forcing ourselves to be happy, forcing ourselves to smile, just to keep going. We dream to make a difference in whatever way we can.”

Signing to Lockjaw Records marks a new era for El Moono. Following their 2019 single ‘Thanks for Nothing’ (Small Pond Records) and heavy touring around the UK and Europe with the likes of Black Peaks, Phoxjaw, Haggard Cat, Fangclub, and Press to MECO – El Moono are back with a vengeance. With influences of rock, hardcore, metal and grunge, the band’s off-kilter and oftentimes mind-bending riffs, emotive songs and expressive lyricism combine to create a sound that’s difficult to pigeonhole. 

‘Forced to Smile’ follows ‘Thanks for Nothing’, their self-released EP ‘Tides’ and standalone single ‘Aura’. El Moono‘s captivating music have seen support from Kerrang! Radio’s Alex Baker, who has played every single to date on his show, as well as Amazing Radio and more. 

With an upcoming tour supporting Haggard Cat, festival appearances, including Burn it Down and Attitude Festival, and their first hometown show in two years lined up for 2021, there’s no stopping this promising quartet. 

Live dates:

31.07.2021 – Portals Festival 
10-11.09.2021 – Burn It Down Festival 
23.09.2021 – Newquay, Whiskers (w/ Haggard Cat)
24.09.2021 – Plymouth, The Junction (w/ Haggard Cat)
25.09.2021 – Exeter, Cavern (w/ Haggard Cat)
26.09.2021 – Attitude Festival 
31.10.2021 – Brighton, The Prince Albert (headline)