Beaker's Bold Comeback: Oxford's Indie Queens Rock After 25 Years

Beaker is an all-female indie band that first appeared in Oxford's music scene during the 1990s. After more than 25 years apart, the group has reunited, proving that time has not taken away their passion or creativity. The band was originally formed by students at Oxford Polytechnic and quickly gained a loyal following, playing a style they describe as 'melodic garage punk with a message. ' Oxford has produced many well-known bands, such as Radiohead and Supergrass, and Beaker was part of that exciting scene.

The current lineup includes original members Clare Howard-Saunders, Sam Battle, and TJ Ward, along with Oxford-based musicians Emma Hunter and Hayley Wright. The group disbanded in 1999 but reconnected after the sad passing of their bassist, Kim Parsons, in 2023. What started as a one-time performance at the Charlbury Riverside Festival soon turned into a full comeback. The members, now in their mid-50s, are balancing music with careers, motherhood, and other adult responsibilities. Despite these challenges, they have released a bold new single and have ambitious plans for the future.

Emma Hunter explained that being older has changed their approach to music. She said that once you reach your 40s and 50s, you stop worrying so much about what others think. The band now takes their music more seriously, paying close attention to the lyrics and raising their standards. The Oxford music scene has also evolved, with new acts like Foals, Glass Animals, and Stornoway finding success. However, Hunter says the local scene remains supportive, with musicians attending each other's shows and encouraging one another.

Balancing music with daily life is not always easy. Many of the band members have caring responsibilities, but they believe that making music helps their emotional well-being. Hunter said that when they feel good, they are better able to support others. The band is not just revisiting old songs—they are creating new material as well. Their latest single is inspired by Gisèle Pelicot, a woman who became a feminist icon after bravely sharing her story in a high-profile case.

All-female rock bands have been getting more attention recently, partly due to the success of the BBC drama 'Riot Women,' which tells the story of middle-aged women forming a punk band. The members of Beaker joked that they are the real 'Riot Women' and that the show's creator should have spoken to them. The band hopes to release an EP and play at larger festivals as their comeback continues.

For Beaker, making music is about love and community. Hunter said they do it for the joy it brings and the connections they make, but she also joked that she would love for the band to become really famous and play at Glastonbury, one of the UK's biggest music festivals. Beaker's story is a reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams and that music can be a powerful force for bringing people together.