From early protest songs written during the brutal occupation of Turtle Island, to punk music’s struggle against the system, art has always been at the forefront of social change. Even so, few projects hit as hard (and with instrumental music!) as the Cherokee-Maori duo Divide and Dissolve.

The girls’ playing combines wild percussion with electric guitar and saxophone, supported by synth landscapes. The heavy, fatalistic compositions are reminiscent of where the genre’s name ‘doom metal’ came from. They reflect the pain and barrage of violence associated with colonisation, yet seem beautiful and monumental, reminding us of the determination to fight for their culture.

As of late 2022, drummer Sylvie Nehill is stepping down from live performances – the show will be conducted by guitarist and saxophonist Takiay Reed with a replacement.