A lively repertoire of female-driven tracks

New York natives Nikki Sisti, Shari Page and Kate Black assembled THICK in 2014. The Brooklyn-based punk trio explores heartbreak, self-doubt and finding joy in Happy Now. The 2022 LP release comes two years after their debut album, 5 Years Behind. With 11 invigorating tracks, the band published their second album on August 19.

The album kicks off with “Happiness,” an upbeat anthem searching for the root of bliss. Riveting distortion leads into a pounding drumbeat and continues to ring throughout the first verse. The band’s explosive sound is partly fueled by their vocal collaboration, giving each woman a voice throughout the track. Lyrics compare finding happiness from the outside versus within.

“Loser” captures the oh-so-familiar feeling of inadequacy. Opening with Black’s snazzy bass riff, the fast-paced track switches between frustrated yelling during the verses and breezy, seemingly light-hearted vocals in the chorus. The lyrics offer irony as the delivery of “shut my mouth” is loud and unrestrained, accompanied by the glorious shredding of Sisti’s electric guitar. Though the theme seems bleak, “Loser” is a celebration for anyone feeling inferior.

“Tell Myself” preaches wisdom energized by THICK’s youthful spirit. Sophisticated life lessons add a compelling contrast to the grungy instrumentals of this unified love letter to their younger selves. Lyrics such as “we’ll get past this, it’s just a part of life” delivered by Sisti and Black’s ethereal voices in harmonic unison serve as reassurance that it’s okay to struggle. They validate their past, hopefully inspiring young girls in the process. 

From the realities of drummer Page’s relationship, “Her Chapstick” unpacks the turmoil of having an unfaithful partner. The steady tempo of this fifth track centers on her inner conflict, as the lyrics tell a story of loneliness and insecurity. Possibly one of the saddest but most realistic aspects of the song is self-blame, questioning “are you better off without me?” The song closes as it started, with a vibrant guitar riff, slowing in the song’s final measure.

The album’s seventh track “Montreal” is a daydream through the eyes of a young lover. She wishes to wander around the city and one day know her partner with “gray hair.” The song’s slower pace plays like a wistful walk through the Canadian roads, with the undertones of a moody bass and intimate vocals to indicate “nobody else is around us.” Contrary to “Tell Me” and its reflection of the past, “Montreal” contemplates the future.

Happy Now harnesses the raw emotions and truth of each band member, embodying collaboration. The album’s overarching theme of optimism and inclusivity in times of distress alters the lens through which listeners can look at the world and themselves. The band’s support for each other both on and offstage is heartening for any fan. If one thing’s for sure, it’s that these ladies are THICK as thieves.