ALBUM: The Linda Lindas – ‘Growing Up’

Performing at the Los Angeles Public Library last year, Mila de la Garza, drummer for LA-based Asian/Latinx punks The Linda Lindas, explained that their most aggressive song on the setlist, ‘Racist, Sexist Boy’, was written after a negative classroom experience. “A boy in my class came up to me and said that his dad told him to stay away from Chinese people. After I told him that I was Chinese, he backed away from me.” Changing the polarity in a 1-2-3-4 count, The Linda Lindas slam all racist, sexist jerkfaces hard with crushing riot grrrl rhythm and positive affirmation. “We rebuild what you destroy!”

It was a defining moment for the band that caught the attention of the legendary Epitaph Records. Known for working with punk heavyweights like Bad Religion (featuring guitarist and Epitaph co-founder Brett Gurewitz), Refused and The Offspring, Epitaph seemed like a no brainer to release The Linda Lindas’ debut LP, Growing Up; a collection of effortlessly cool and catchy feel-good punk.

Taking their name from the Japanese film Linda Linda Linda – a coming-of-age comedy featuring a group of teenagers who quickly form a band to cover songs by The Blue Hearts – Mila (current age 11), alongside guitarists Lucia de la Garza (14), Bela Salazar (17), and bassist Eloise Wong (13) formed the punk quartet after joining Kristin Kontrol for a one-off performance at Girlschool (later Gxrlschool) in 2018. As The Linda Lindas, they opened for riot grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill just a year later at the Hollywood Palladium – later covering their song ‘Rebel Girl’ in Amy Poehler’s 2021 feminist flick MOXiE! for Netflix – before self-releasing their self-titled EP in 2020. So far, so DIY, so punk!

Growing Up – produced, engineered and mixed by Mila and Lucia’s father, Carlos de la Garza (ex- Suburban Rhythm, Reel Big Fish drummer) – is not a cliché album title. “We’ll sing to people and show / What it means to be young and growing up,” sings Lucia on the title track, a celebration of friendship and the determination to “make every moment last.” For the ferocious ‘Oh!’, the band tap into the pop sensibilities of The Go-Go’s with an infectious bassline, dynamic rhythm, snarling lead vocals from Bela, and self-reflective lyrics written by Eloise: “Why do I say something / Say anything at all (Oh!) / It seems that when I try / I always take the fall (Oh!) / But when I don’t speak up / There’s nothing but regret (Oh!) / I can’t stop thinking of / What could’ve happened next!”

Wise beyond her age insight from Mila features on the bubblegum flavoured ‘Talking To Myself’ (“We’re all talking to ourselves / About things we cannot help…”) whilst Eloise spits lyrical angst on riot grrrl rager ‘Fine’. (“It’s not fine!”) ‘Nino’ follows as a spiritual successor to ‘Monica’, a track from the band’s self-titled extended play, written about Bela’s cat! Similar to the unconventional lyrics of Shonen Knife, Bela sings “I have a cat / His name’s Nino / He’s a savage cat / Killer of mice and rats” over savage pop-punk riffs before Eloise returns with the heartbreakingly heavy, Jawbreaker-esque ‘Why’. “I just drown out everything / Cause I cannot feel this way.”

Taking inspiration from Latin culture and bossa nova beats, Spanish-language ‘Cuántas Veces’ is for the misfits; a deeply personal song from Bela. “Cuántas veces tengo que decir / Ya estoy harta de sentirme asi.” Whilst ‘Remember’ – an outpouring of frustration – leaves Lucia optimistic that “maybe tomorrow will be bigger, brighter, bolder.” Sharing vocal duties for the deceptively whimsical ‘Magic’, the de la Garza sisters trade verses over shimmering guitar hooks before the band closes their electrifying debut with a cathartic studio recording of their aforementioned anti-hate anthem, ‘Racist, Sexist Boy’.

All killer, no filler, each member of The Linda Lindas has brought their own unique style of songwriting to Growing Up, through self-reflection and social awareness. They are a band growing up both musically and personally – developing their identity and DIY ethos together, one punk song at a time – yet already confidently stage-diving into punk rock history.

Follow The Linda Lindas on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Zac Farro

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

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ALBUM: Scrunchies – ‘Feral Coast’

Through mutual admiration of each other’s bands, a group of Minnesotan punk rockers began jamming together in Minneapolis, forming Scrunchies just over four years ago. As a local supergroup – with Laura Larson playing for Kitten Forever and Baby Guts before that, Danielle Cusack playing for Bruise Violet and previously Tony Peachka, and their stint in Buzzcocks cover band, Buzzcunts – Scrunchies released their debut LP Stunner in 2018; a DIY stunner that captured the spirit of 90’s riot grrrl. Joined by Condominium’s Matt Castore (as bassist and engineer – having previously recorded Scrunchies debut), the trio’s sophomore effort Feral Coast, is arguably more punk-as-fuck; ripping out riffs with cathartic rage!

Opening with ‘The Houseplant’, Castore’s bass groove can barely contain the punk rock energy Scrunchies are about to release, leading to Larson and Cusack’s propulsive rhythm and screaming lyrical angst. ‘Torrini Decorating’ follows with an equally obliterating punk sound, and Scrunchies are only just getting started! ‘No Home Planet’, another whiplash-inducing ripper, tears apart the fabric of the universe with crushing riffs from Larson (“It’s not the end of the world…”) before Cusack’s punishing percussion on ‘Sway’ has this reviewer gathering his friends together for an impromptu moshpit.

Maintaining their intensity, the infectious bassline of ‘New What’ is followed by the fuzz-drenched hooks of ‘Wildlife’; the trio crescendoing into a cataclysm of feedback near the halfway mark. ‘Black Egg’ will offer listeners no respite before the thrashing ‘Absolute Maximum’ shreds sludge with lo-fi, early Seattle grunge-esque riffs, surrealistic stream of consciousness lyrics, and authentic riot grrrl brattiness. “Don’t take offence I’m trying, but I’m barely alive / You wanna stick your hand in, well it’s mine, mine, mine!”

Inspired by the noise rock of Shellac and Sonic Youth, ‘Parallel’ disturbs with jarring harmonies – and a Kim Gordon-esque deadpan vocal delivery in the bridge – layered over scuzzy post-hardcore guitar hooks. And quickly catch your breath during ‘Ditch’ because you will find yourself shouting along with the loud/soft dynamic of ‘Feral Coast’! Encouraging women and queers to embrace the same DIY ethos that empowers Scrunchies, Feral Coast is a raw, spontaneous record that is comfortable with perfect imperfection; delivering chaotically crafted punk ragers that inspire.

Follow Scrunchies on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

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LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Peaness 06.04.22

Tash was back on the Soho Radio airwaves playing loads of new music from some of the GIHE team’s favourite artists.

Chester indie trio Peaness also had a chat with Mari about their upcoming debut album, World Full Of Worry, the music that inspires them, the festivals they’ll be playing this summer and the joys and challenges of being in a DIY band.

Listen back below:

 

Tracklist
Nova Twins – Cleopatra
Ibibio Sound Machine – Electricity
t l k – IWNU
Fears – 16
Midwife – Send The Pain Below (Chevelle Cover)
SASAMI – Call Me Home
Jenny Hval – American Coffee
Ydegirl – I Need This
Coco – Last of the Loving
Hannah Holland x Planningtorock – Planningtobeams
Real Big Sky – Long Lost
Ethel Cain – Gibson Girl
Francis Of Delirium – The Funhouse
x/o – Red Alert
Peaness – How I’m Feeling
**Interview with Peaness**
Nikki and the Waves – Online Chess
Horsegirl – Anti-Glory
Proper. – Huerta
CRi – Something About
Problem Patterns – Y.A.W
LibraLibra – Here’s To You Mr Robinson
Scrounge – This Summer’s Been Lethal
Breakup Haircut – Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)
bestfriend – someplace else
Julia-Sophie – Dial Your Number
Wet Leg – Too Late Now

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PLAYLIST: March 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together an eclectic mix of guitar tunes, post punk anthems, indie gems & immersive electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Charlotte Adigery x Bolis Pupul – ‘Ceci n’est pas un cliché’
‘Ceci n’est pas un cliche’ by Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul, whose debut album Topical Dancer came out earlier this month. I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Charlotte, where we talked about the new album, the therapeutic process of making music and the use of laughter to tackle complex topics and her lovely little baby Rocko also joined us for the chat. You can listen back to that interview on our latest Soho Radio show. (Tash Walker)

Julia-Sophie – ‘Dial Your Number’
The latest single from one of our favourites Julia-Sophie, whose new EP, it feels like thunder, has just dropped and it doesn’t disappoint. It comes as part of a trilogy of releases through Beat Palace Records, the new label set up by Anna Prior of Metronomy which has a heavy focus on championing women artists. Julia-Sophie will also be headlining our gig at The Shacklewell Arms on 1st June with support from Dewey and Maria Uzor. Grab your ticket via DICE here. (TW)

Ethel Cain – ‘Gibson Girl’
Since I heard her single ‘Crush’ last year, I have been compulsively listening to American songwriter Ethel Cain. Her heady, devastating tunes throw me off-kilter whenever I hear them and this track is no exception. Taken from her highly anticipated debut album, Preacher’s Daughter, which is set for release on 12th May, ‘Gibson Girl’ is a lustful, deeply provocative offering inspired by American model Evelyn Nesbit. Cain offers some more perspective on the track: “Being a woman is about never quite reaching a goal that someone else set for you. Under pressure to fit an impossible standard, I find myself daydreaming about what it would be like to be perfect in a way I can’t ever possibly achieve. I’ve always been in love with Evelyn Nesbit, the Gibson Girl, and thought she was the absolute pinnacle of feminine poise and grace. Whenever I start to lose myself and forget what I’m capable of, I just turn to her and she’s the greatest reminder.” (Kate Crudgington)

Ailsa Tully – ‘Salt Glaze’
The latest single from Welsh artist Ailsa Tully, ‘Salt Glaze’ offers a poignant reflection on the time that Tully and her partner spent in her late Grandmother’s house during the January lockdown last year. A truly immersive soundscape emanating a comforting warmth and exquisite captivating grace. You can watch the very cute video for ‘Salt Glaze’ here. (ML)

Tomberlin – ‘Tap’
I haven’t been able to stop listening to American songwriter Tomberlin since her single ‘Happy Accident‘ dropped into my inbox last month. Her poetic lyrics are so simple, yet they feel so profound and graceful when she sings them. This track is taken from her upcoming album, I Don’t Know Wo Needs To Hear This, set for release on 29th April via Saddle Creek, and it’s a beautiful musing on trying to disconnect from the digital world and focus on genuine human interaction – something we’ve all been craving since 2020. I think her opening line about over-using Instagram is superb: “Tap the heart until I hate myself / Hit the square, and rearrange myself / I don’t like it what it does to me / Never makes me want to laugh, or sing.” I can’t wait to hear Tomberlin’s songs live at St Matthias Church on 5th April. (KC)

Fears – ’16’
Transforming her ruminations on a troubled past relationship into an elegant, exquisitely raw offering, ’16’ is the latest release from Irish musician & producer Constance Keane aka Fears. Released via her own imprint TULLE, the track is a combination of meditative synth loops, tentative beats and the instrumentals of her late friend, classically trained cellist and trans rights activist Sophie Gwen Williams. These elements mesh together to create a truly soothing, magnetic soundscape. Accompanied by a beautiful video, shot & directed by Zoe Greenway – who performs alongside Keane in punk band M(h)aol – the visuals are a poignant tribute to Williams too. (KC)

Hannah Schneider – ‘Mirror Sphere’ (ML)
‘Mirror Sphere’ is the new single from Danish artist Hannah Schneider, who is also one half of GIHE faves AyOwA. Whilst more stripped back than we’ve come to expect from Ayowa, this solo venture maintains all the glistening majestic splendour and cinematic grace that we associate with Schneider, creating an enchanting hybrid of sounds. (ML)

Real Big Sky – ‘Long Lost’
A brooding, atmospheric musing on feelings of loneliness and isolation, Gothenburg four-piece Real Big Sky have shared their debut single ‘Long Lost’. Full of moody guitar sounds, shiver-inducing cymbal smashes and melancholic vocals, the track is a captivating slice of dark indie noise. I can’t wait to hear the band’s self-titled debut album, which is set for release on the 13th of May. (KC)

Scrounge – ‘This Summer’s Been Lethal’ (ML)
South London duo Lucy and Luke aka Scrounge have now announced the release of their upcoming debut album, and we couldn’t be more excited. Taken from the album, ‘This Summer’s Been Lethal’ builds with a bewitching tension and potent beats, creating a stark soundscape. Oozing the duo’s trademark deep stirring allure and dark, compelling energy, an added uptempo edge propels the track, inciting a small glimmer of hope in these uncertain times. A swirling, immersive wall of sound, here Scrounge have showcased how they are consistently honing their sound; adding innovative layers to create resonant, cathartic anthems for the present day. (ML)

Oceanator – ‘Stuck’
I’m a big fan of this new single from Brooklyn artist Oceantor, taken from her excellently titled new album, Nothing’s Ever Fine, set for release on 8th April via Big Scary Monsters. I love the charging rhythms and doomy riffs on ‘Stuck’, which as Oceanator explains, is “about that feeling of all your collective traumas, disappointments, and general sadness just accumulating over the years and weighing you down more and more.” (KC)

Francis Of Delirium – ‘The Fun House’
“This is a call to arms” sings Jana Bahrich aka Francis Of Delirium in the opening to this single, instantly commanding listeners with her grungy riffs and clear vocals. A reflection on the manic and disorientating mindset that’s been accepted as “the new normal” over the past two years, Bahrich’s track is a cathartic rush of angst that questions what’s “left to believe” in such an overwhelming world. (KC)

Horsegirl – ‘Anti-glory’
I love this playful, rumbling cacophony from Chicago post-punk outfit Horsegirl. Taken from their debut album, Versions of Modern Performance, which is set for release on 3rd June, the band – formed of best friends Penelope Lowenstein, Nora Cheng and Gigi Reece – wrote ‘Anti-Glory’ “almost by accident” whilst messing around with an old song during rehearsals. When speaking about the track, the band say: “As always, this song and album are for Chicago, our friends, our friend’s bands, everyone who can play the guitar, and everyone who can’t play the guitar.” I like that! (KC)

Proper. – ‘Huerta’
Happy album release day to Brooklyn trio Proper.! The band have shared their new album, The Great American Novel, which is a punk infused concept record about how black genius is routinely overlooked and ignored. On this track ‘Huerta’, lead vocalist Erik Garlington evaluates his thoughts about his Mexican heritage, offering listeners an insight into what it means to censor or ignore parts of yourself and the impact this can have on your own identity, as well as the wider perception of this identity in predominantly white spaces. “If these audiences are going to be a voyeur to the Black experience, I want them to hear this record and learn about our identity crises,” Garlington continues about the band’s new album. Proper.’s unfiltered approach on ‘Huerta’ and The Great American Novel is a cathartic and necessary antidote to this voyeurism. (KC)

Petrol Girls – ‘Baby I Had An Abortion’
Highlighting the truth that everyone should have access to an abortion, without shame, ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion‘ oozes a brutal, unapologetic honesty, propelled by the gritty, seething force of Ren Aldridge’s vocals. An immense, empowering statement reflecting on Aldridge’s own experiences of having an abortion in 2018, it offers a poignant ode to bodily autonomy. A raging cacophony fuelled by a riotous catharsis that emits both joy and anger. (ML)

Problem Patterns – ‘Y.A.W’
A powerful, necessary anthem for women and girls who have spoken out against violent misogyny only to be told they’re “just a bitch who can’t take a joke,” it was a privilege to premiere Belfast Punks Problem Patterns video for their poignant new single ‘Y.A.W’ earlier this month. An acronym for ‘Yes All Women’ – antagonising the social media excuse ‘Not All Men’ – the track seethes with a righteous fury, underscored by Ciara’s King’s buzzing basslines, Beverley Boal’s striking guitar riffs, Bethany Crooks’ thudding beats and Alanah Smith’s crystalline vocals. It’s a visceral rumination on the universal rage and despair that permeates our consciousness in the wake of public violence towards women, in particular, the misogynist killings of Sarah Everard and Aisling Murphy. Watch the video here. (KC)

LibraLibra – ‘Here’s To You Mr Robinson’ (ML)
GIHE faves LibraLibra today release their second EP, Modern Millenial. Taken from the EP, latest single ‘Here’s To You Mr Robinson’ offers a satirical FU to the UK Government and any other right wing cretins. Initially inspired by the Tommy Robinson milkshake-in-face incident, it’s driven by a frenzied electro-driven whirr as the impassioned vocal prowess of front-person Beth Cannon soars. Another colossal cacophony showcasing the immense genre-defying power of this band on the rise. (ML)

Projector – ‘Play Along’
A brooding exploration on “the cognitive dissonance that allows you to feel like you are god’s gift, whilst simultaneously feeling like a piece of shit,” I love this new track from Brighton trio Projector. Splicing the dual vocals of Edward Ensbury and Lucy Sheehan with angular riffs, restless rhythms and ominous synths, the track marks new sonic territory for the band and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do next. (KC)

Body Type – ‘Buoyancy’
A rousing, energetic slice of indie punk, this fun new single from Australian trio Body Type is taken from their debut album, Everything Is Dangerous But Nothing’s Surprising, which is set for release on 20th May 20th. Inspired by a text exchange between bandmates Annabel Blackman and Georgia Wilkinson, ‘Buoyancy’ lives up to its namesake and is all about “grappling with internal inconsistencies and moral ambiguities in an incoherent style.” The band also say it’s “a personal reminder that when certain things are rendered uncertain, those you love are an eternal rudder.” C.U.T.E. (KC)

Breakup Haircut – ‘Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus’) (ML)
Having wowed us live with their scuzzy, joyous punk-pop at our January gig at The Victoria, Breakup Haircut have now shared a jangly new offering, dedicated to those of us who may not be too fond of big social gatherings. ‘Get Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)’ flows with a jangly, uplifting energy and snarly wit as the band’s colourful charisma shines through. Breakup Haircut are set to release their debut album on 15th July via Reckless Yes. (ML)

girlhouse – ‘paul blart mall cop’
An honest musing about her experience of living with depression, this is a tender but buoyant new offering from US bedroom-pop artist Lauren Luiz aka girlhouse. Through her confessional lyrics and catchy melodies, she explores what she calls “the ultimate dilemma as a person that has dealt with depression for the majority of their life – not wanting to live but not wanting to die.” Despite its heavy context, girlhouse delivers her observations with earnest and cathartic flair. (KC)

BEORMA – ‘Without You’
A bittersweet reflection on losing someone you love and as a result a part of yourself, Birmingham-based band Beorma have shared their latest single ‘Without You’. Mixing R&B and indie pop sensibilities with a smooth heartfelt vocal, the track is an unexpectedly upbeat listen, brimming with emotion and a melody that warmly rushes the senses. (KC)

Amaroun – ‘Brown Skin Beauty’
A poignant offering reflecting on a personal journey of building in confidence to having the freedom to feel comfortable in your own black queer skin, this latest single from GIHE fave Amaroun flows into the ears with a sweeping ethereal soundscape. As her soaring, luscious vocals ripple atop the shimmering musicality, a truly blissful offering oozing a sparkling majestic grace is created. Mars, the upcoming debut album from Amaroun, is set for release on 3rd June. (ML)

King Hannah – ‘All Being Fine’
Having just released their debut album, I’m Not Sorry, I Was Just Being Me, Liverpool duo King Hannah have been firm favourites here at GIHE for a while now. Latest single ‘All Being Fine’ flows with an eerily captivating energy alongside Merrick’s trademark rich, sultry vocals. Building with a dark, iridescent splendour, it oozes a gritty, spellbinding allure, showcasing King Hannah’s unique, majestic grace and exquisite ability to create soundscapes with a truly compelling ethereal power. (ML)

Jenny Hval – ‘Year of Love’
In the run up to seeing Jenny Hval in April, I’ve been filling my ears with the fruits of her latest album Classic Objects, including this song ‘Year of Love’. It’s such a gentle song with those distantly haunting vocals of Hval swooping over like melodic drones, bliss. (TW)

Pongo – ‘Doudou’
‘Doudou’ is the latest release from Angolan-Portuguese artist Pongo who has often been described as the new diva of kuduro – and for good reason! Since her debut, Pongo has never stopped renewing the heritage of this genre by feeding it with sounds from all over the world. Just like this one. (TW)

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