Doc n Roll have spent the past 15 years since their set up, as ‘a womxn-led film agency that platforms and champions marginal voices in the music industry’, platforming creative documentaries about bands that you always wanted there to be documentaries about, available to watch.
Today, Tuesday 9th Sept, the Death Pill Documentary ‘Go Your Way’ is available on the site.
Last night I went along to Helgi’s to watch a screening, and surprise, 3 song, Death Pill set!
The room was filled with the curious, fans both old and new. I spoke to a couple of people who were there after having seen them at Loud Women fest this weekend; Including Tab Grrrl and Bad Static. Who have played alongside them at TWO Loud Women Fests in the past two days!
With the director, Dan Baskerville, and a member of Doc n Roll there too, it was a like minded atmosphere in the dark, dark backroom of the skull-and-crucifix-filled Helgi’s. (I can’t remember the person I spoke to from doc n roll’s name – for which I am very sorry – as we had a great chat and I am very excited to watch the L7 documentary she recommended!)
The Go Your Way documentary itself was as cute and funny, as it was hard hitting and sad. The story of Death Pill from Ukraine, where they say their exact style of music was quite stand alone, forced to live in different continents after the start of the bombing in 2022: and then reuniting to tour. Baskerville follows them on all the usual and highly watchable highs and lows of touring, with the added knowledge of the situation in their home country and how it is affecting them. Guitarist Mariana offers, “it is very hard to separate your own desires from the fact that your house is being bombed.”
“A song is about my ex boyfriend. I hate him, he hates me… Now, he is in the war. I can’t hate him anymore. I redirect that hate. The craziest fucker in the world, Putin, of course!” Mariana says.
I loved the tender moments that were captured between the three; a kiss on the shoulder in the morning, a hug. The brutal honesty that comes with touring (smelly sofa’s..) and the closeness of going through the effects of war together, whilst apart, is both beautiful and heartbreaking, to watch. Complex emotions show on their faces of struggles, past and present.
“We already don’t have this care-free life. Everyone is crying this war inside.”
It was mentioned in conversation afterwards by the band, how Ukrainian faces can look serious to Europeans (“resting bitch face!”) Which reminds me of one of my favourite moments of the film, drummer Anastasiia after applying makeup in a car mirror. “Do I look like a bitch? I want to look like a bitch cos no-one will hurt me. HA! They’re all afraid of me.” A short silence passes..
”… but I’m not a bitch.”
As the credits came up, I couldn’t help shouting “Again!!” and I’m going to get a cup of tea and do just that – watch it again.
You can rent Go Your Way on docnrollfestival.com for £3.49. Bring your crucifix, bitch face, and some tissues.
