Dan Hillier
As silly and as outlandish as that film felt when it first premiered in 2013, it’s impossible to deny that the film pretty much nailed how many interact with their computers 12 years post its release. In the horrid year that is 2025, we’re seeing more and more people turn their backs on human connection in favour of the soulless glow of tailored algorithms. We’re even seeing the emergence of romanceable AI in, thanks to the horror that is modern technology.
Wretched and weird proposals indeed, but to be fair, who can blame people for embracing such things. Your devices probably know more about us than your significant other. They know your deepest desires, your darkest fears, things you might not want anyone else to know. They’re probably the first things we reach for in the morning. Such is the theme of the new song from Bristol’s grubbing, which we’re overjoyed to premiere.
Releasing after a short break from activity and roughly a year after their debut EP Clean, ‘My New Computer’ is strange music for strange times. A tale of accidentally falling in love with your personal information device, this single is a love song that feels like a post-humanity ballad. Yes, whilst it’s post punk delivery may be entirely human, the track’s creeping violin-led tension, surrealist atmosphere and overall unnerving vibe more than animates it’s theme of recognising and embracing the often subconscious love we have for our personal devices. Those with a love for the odd but ingenious stylings of bands such as Sans Froid, A Pig Called Eggs and the sadly missed Twisted Ankle will find plenty to love here, but regardless if you’re a fan of such acts, the strange draw and even stranger relatability of ‘My New Computer’ makes for crucial listening.
“This is a song about that universal experience that really feels like it shouldn’t be universal – reluctantly falling in love with your personal information machine”, state grubbing on the single. “No one knows you more intimately. For full cultural relevancy, we opted for ‘90’s grunge/post-punk ballad-core’ vibes featuring ‘violin’ and ‘repetitive hook’. Hope you enjoy.”
Grubbing will be performing at The Lanes, Bristol, on October 24th, with tickets available here. In the meantime, watch the video for ‘My New Computer’ exclusively here, peep the artwork courtesy of Joseff Neale and John Henry Newton below and grab the track off Bandcamp here. After all, it’s Bandcamp Friday; what better way to celebrate it by buying this single whilst proclaiming your love for the device you’re probably reading this on now.
