The UK pop-punk band Martha know there’s more than one way to write a protest song. Across two previous albums, they sang about corrupt cops and callous politicians, but they focused their discontent through a refined interpersonal lens. On their new single “The Winter Fuel Allowance Ineligibility Blues,” they find a surprisingly tender angle to the predicament of not being able to the pay the heat bill. It’s a love song about turning the furnace on when that special someone comes over to your apartment, because you don’t want them to freeze, too.

“You know I love you cause the heat is on when you come round,” vocalists Daniel Ellis and JC Cairns sing over jangly guitar chords at the song’s brisk chorus. While no one should be able to measure their affection by the amount of money they spend on basic human needs, “Ineligibility Blues” cuts the weight of austerity with good-natured humor and a catchy sing-along melody. It’s a cruel world run by cruel people, but Martha find just enough room to be kind and keep each other warm through the winter.