Have you ever wondered what a banging queer cover of Abba’s “Gimme Gimme” would sound like? Wonder no more! The New York-based queer punk band NOTNORTH has you covered. The frontman, David Alan Thorton, looks like he was brought up inside gyms and underground punk clubs, pouring pure sex-punk* energy into a darker, sexier, way gayer version of Abba’s hit while wearing nothing but a tight leather skirt and boots.
NOTNORTH has put out two EPs and a handful of singles that embrace and celebrate queer joy and good sex while having enough bite to the breakup songs to keep you listening.
“When You’re Alone” is a confident and sexy ode to the feeling of watching your ex settle down with a goober when you know you could fuck them better – and who hasn’t been there? Between withering descriptions of the kind of whitebread dork the ex is, he reminds him of exactly the kind of hot and heavy shit they used to get up to.
But when you’re alone
I’m the one bending your leg
I’m the one pulling your hair
I’m the one chilling your bone
When you’re alone
I’m the one choking your neck
I’m the one biting you bare
I’m the one hearing your moan
When you’re alone
NOTNORTH combines punk attitude with a certain goth sexiness and pop sensibility to deliver hot, catchy songs that beg to be added to your Pride Playlist. Their latest single, “Good News,” is a little more socially forward, covering everything from religion, the “male loneliness epidemic,” phone scams, and the other shit we’re all swimming in in this, the year of Weird Al, 2026.
It’s only a matter of time before NOTNORTH blows up. They’re about to leave Arlene’s Grocery in New York City to tour the UK, making submissions for a Tiny Desk Concert, and putting out more great music. Get on it now, and you can say you were on this killer band before they made it big. So, this Pride Month, get gay about your punk rock and Enjoy it! Or Don’t….
Here’s our Spotify Primer on NOTNORTH:
*Is “sex-punk” a real genre? It is now.
