Youth mixed with growing up
On their self-titled debut album, Goat Girl manages to create a jagged collection of 19 songs that comes together to form a cynical and energetic project. With short and snappy tracks, their energy is distilled and carefully channeled with precision. While lines like, “I want to smash your head in” are usually given in a deadpan boredom, the sharp riffs and pounding guitar convey the angry energy behind the lines.
Debuting in London, Goat Girl is made up of a group of four rebellious jokesters who have given themselves fake names instead of exposing their real identities. With a DIY sound, the band is named in honor of Bill Hicks’ alter ego Goat Boy. Their lyrics are defined by simplicity and repetition, along with an angry aloofness. The songs are stories of South London, and most of them are joyously difficult to interpret.
The album includes five interludes, improvised from the basement of the project producer, Dan Carey. Everything on the record flows together, much like a night out with a group of rowdy friends flies by with no care. While the album is angry, there are plenty of joyous moments like on “Cracker Drool,” where the infectious energy of the quartet is on full display. The wide range of emotions wonderfully mixed together and on display creates a life-like diorama of a group running through London in a post-Brexit confusion.
Youth is certainly on display in this album as well. As the band struggles to maintain their coolness, they are uncertain and confused in a city and country which only encourages their fears. On “I Don’t Care Part 1” and “I Don’t Care Part 2,” the full brunt of their message is delivered with the blunt repetition of “I don’t care” mixed with “Don’t know why people try.” Still struggling with their image, the band reminds us that youth is all about not caring despite the anger and confusion displayed in other parts of the record.
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