Tender Claws Hits the Sweet Spot Between Chaos and Catharsis on 'Twinge' - First Listen (Single Premieres) - Jammerzine

Tender Claws have today released their new single titled ‘Twinge’, from their upcoming debut EP ‘Tear Him To Pieces’, dropping August 7th. Few things are more satisfying than a breakup anthem that refuses to wallow, and Tender Claws has absolutely nailed the assignment with ‘Twinge’. Belfast born artist Tess Corr takes all that awkward emotional baggage everyone pretends they have outgrown and launches it headfirst into a glorious wall of distortion. The result is a track that feels equal parts therapy session and mosh pit, proving once again that the best way to deal with heartbreak is to crank the volume until your neighbors become emotionally invested too.

Built around a bruising bassline, relentless percussion, and towering guitars, ‘Twinge’ stomps forward with the confidence of someone who has finally deleted that one contact they kept promising themselves they would never text again. Corr balances the grit with shimmering textures and a vocal performance that never loses its melodic grip, making every hook land with impressive force. The song carries enough emotional weight to feel genuine without ever slipping into melodrama, which is a trick plenty of bigger artists still have not figured out.

What makes Tender Claws so compelling is the refusal to settle into one predictable lane. Gothic moods collide with alt grunge swagger while flashes of shoegaze haze and post punk attitude keep the song constantly shifting beneath the surface. ‘Twinge’ captures the sting of memories that sneak up without warning, but it also radiates the freedom that comes from finally letting go. It is the rare heartbreak song that makes you want to dance instead of dramatically stare out a rainy window while questioning every life choice since secondary school.

As another preview of the upcoming EP ‘Tear Him To Pieces’, ‘Twinge’ raises expectations in all the right ways. Corr sounds completely in control of her artistic identity while still leaving plenty of room to surprise listeners with what comes next. If this single is any indication, Tender Claws is not simply knocking on the door of the alternative scene. She is kicking it open, tracking mud across the carpet, and somehow making the whole mess look effortlessly cool.

Featured image by Laurie Clapson.

About Tender Claws

Alt-grunge solo artist Tender Claws shares the evocative new single ‘Twinge’ – a powerful and emotionally charged gut-punch that offers another compelling glimpse into her highly anticipated debut EP, ‘Tear Him To Pieces’, due for release on 7th August.

Tender Claws, the stage moniker of Belfast-born artist Tess Corr, is an independent musician now based in the North West of England, draws inspiration from gothic aesthetics, introspective storytelling, and the darker facets of both nature and the human experience.

Across her material, Tender Claws crafts a sound that is as gritty and punchy as it is ethereal, alluring, and distinctly otherworldly. Blending fuzzy alt-grunge textures with expansive production, her music explores themes of escapism, vulnerability, and transformation, creating immersive worlds that feel both hauntingly familiar and beautifully untethered from reality.

The new single ‘Twinge’ (produced by Ben Harper – The Mysterines, The Zutons, Sister Sledge, Luvcat, The Luka State, The Kairos, Toy Car, and The Sherlocks) embodies this approach, combining a fuzz-soaked bassline, relentless drums, and a wall of guitars to generate a palpable sense of urgency, offset by shimmering synth flourishes and atmospheric depth. Anchored by Corr’s melodic, instantly catchy vocal delivery, the track carries a cathartic emotional weight that makes it both resonant and accessible while remaining true to its alternative-rock core.

The title refers to that visceral gut-punch feeling triggered by a place, a song, or a photograph that suddenly reminds you of someone you once cared about. Showcasing bold post-punk inspirations that contrast with the darker tones she has become known for, Corr unflinchingly captures the aftermath of rejection, articulating the lingering emotions that remain long after a relationship has ended.

Talking about the track, Tender Claws explains:

“I wanted to write an upbeat, in-your-face song to, ironically, have some fun while processing the feelings stemming from a relationship that I had really hoped would develop into something more, ending quite abruptly. It left me quite devastated at the time. Despite things not going the way I wanted, I felt some freedom from being ‘released’ from a connection that was making me feel anxious and small in a way. When we play this one live, I don’t play guitar for a change, which gives me the freedom to move more on stage, which is a nice parallel to the message of the song. Dance away the heartache as Roxy Music once said!”

Drawing on Queens of the Stone Age, PJ Harvey, Nine Inch Nails and Chelsea Wolfe, listeners will find hints of industrial, indie, shoegaze and goth influences through Tender Claw’s music. Usually spotted performing as a 4-piece, Tender Claws has performed at FOCUS Wales as well as opening for the likes of Dog Race, The Dream Machine, Rosegarden Funeral Party and Bonnie Trash.

Tender Claws has gained recognition from prominent media outlets including The Line Of Best Fit, Louder Than War, Loud Women, Fresh On The Net, Amazing Radio (A-list), and BBC Introducing Merseyside.

Speaking further about the debut EP:

“The upcoming EP explores the idea of corrupted and lost innocence, and tainted idealism, in various guises. I don’t like to restrict myself too much thematically or in terms of production between songs, which I think is apparent in this debut EP. Each song on this EP provides a different texture and mood. Lyrically, I touch on personal experiences, escapism and wider issues that concern or interest me. Sonically, things get heavy and distorted at times while also being pretty and fun at others. I’m really proud of this body of work, and it was a joy to bring to life in the studio.”