Yes, Eat All Of Our Shirts!
Punk rock has seen a transformation in the past couple of years. It’s been emerging as something, apparently, “marketable” (as if it wasn’t before), but in a much more casual sense. The thought of someone consciously walking around in bondage and Manic Panic hair dye is such an early 2000s fantasy, people completely forgot the ’90s. Bands like FIDLAR, Joyce Manor, Jay Reatard (RIP) and Wavvves are proof that playing loud, energetic music is something everyone can dig. Just like the ’90s, the punk spirit of being yourself without having to be forced into a subcultural mold is definitely making a comeback. All-female punk act The Coathangers is playing rock n’ roll at the right time. Their latest release, Suck My Shirt, features cover art of the band caught in mid hairflip — the perfect imagery when listening to the album.
“Follow Me” is totally a spirit of ’77/Joan Jett-a-thon, with raspy/shout-y vocals that really just make you want to flip and shake your hair around (given it’s shoulder length at least). The girls blast through this one at a whopping four minutes. Songs like “Love Em and Leave Em” are clearly products of the ’90s. Slower and more contemplative with the melodies, the The Coathangers are, indeed, a dynamic group. The raw power is still very much present. The disco punk sound of “Dead Battery” is a mix of The Rapture and Blondie, showcasing minimal instrumentation that seems to hit just as much as the other tracks.
The album ends with “Drive,” a fun, light pop track reminiscent of The Muffs’ work. To be honest, ending an album this way isn’t all that bad. Usually, everyone wants to push their overdramatic ballad to close their records, but leaving fans with a sugary taste in their mouth, much like dessert, can be quite refreshing. The Coathangers aren’t trying to be the next Donnas or Bratmobile, and that’s what makes them that much better. Suck My Shirt is sweet, loud and worthy of its praise.
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