IPSO FACTO

Ipso Facto is a UK-based band made up by Rosalie Cummings (lead singer and guitarist), Victoria Smith (drums) and Samantha Valentine (bass). Formed in 2007, their songs, sombre and sobering in its oft-pulsating beat, carry a real weight to them, the products of a rather early-90's prog-rock/goth-inflected aesthetic, given distinction in the strong, no-nonsense female vocals. But Ipso Facto is less prog than Portishead, more adventurous than that extremely limited Joy Division-esque sound. There are always limitations that come with the scene associated with a band-- did someone ever tell Paul Banks, "No, you can't just be Ian Curtis today and Robert Smith tomorrow?" No? Besides the convenience of the label, it is almost as if a restriction to any other sound--Ipso Facto manages to sit in these walls peacefully enough, but give themselves more than enough room to wiggle-- or dance.

Perhaps it's helpful to see how Ipso Facto sees itself situated in the music genrified-gentrified world by who they hang out with: in 2008, they went on the road supporting The Last Shadow Puppets, Alex Turner's and Miles' Kane's pet project. Decidedly more noir and darker than the Puppets' military marches; at the same time, more given to lighten up and dance than their stiff male counterparts. No matter; whatever they do, these ladies aren't messing around.

Check out Ipso Facto's "You Don't Own Me" on their Myspace. Extra fun fact: Sandra Chi, collaborator on Secta's Autumn/Winter 09 collection, also did artwork for Ipso Facto. Her blog is here. Spread the love.