The Nottingham three-piece known as GIRLBAND! have released their first EP, Heartbreak Town.
Since erupting on the scene with the release of ‘Not Like The Rest’ in February of this year, they have established themselves as trailblazers of timely and thrilling rock music, having already supported Jake Bugg and The Happy Mondays. With a plethora of festival appearances planned for the rest of the year, they show no sign of slowing down; their debut serves as a catalyst for what looks like a year of growing visibility and notoriety among alternative circles.
The title track and opening song is profoundly heartfelt, featuring personal stories of heartache and the journey of overcoming the emotional turmoil caused by a relationship breakdown. A fun, uplifting riff – paired with almost country-inspired vocals – permeates the entire song, despite its lyrics relating to the difficulties that come with moving on and coming to terms with an end to an era. It’s safe to say that it’s a bittersweet yet wholeheartedly relatable opener.
In a similar vein, ‘Not Like The Rest’ tells a resonant story about growing up in a place that doesn’t always feel like home. Addressing themes of identity through the topics of race, sexuality, and gender, GIRLBAND! offer an empowering reminder that there’s always a path forward, no matter how uncomfortable and restrictive things may seem. This message is most strikingly captured in the lyrics: “My school was so white / My town was so grey / I was a rainbow, had to run away…”
In a more quintessentially punk fashion, ‘21st Century Suffragette’ packs a punch, with a raw, gritty guitar hook and strong-willed verses that highlight the group’s unwavering commitment to breaking societal norms: “I ain’t no beauty queen / I got a new agenda / And I don’t give a damn / Cause I’m not your pretty picture”. While remaining true to the genre’s roots of self-expression and defiance, the band’s focus on beauty standards and gender oppression highlights themes of female and queer empowerment, again reinforcing the positive representation that they collectively offer.
The EP also showcases two live recordings from The Bodega in Nottingham: ‘Thelma & Louise’ and the captivating ‘Jam’ / ‘Right On Time’. These performances perfectly encapsulate the degree of the group’s instrumental and vocal talent, paying homage to both their hometown and the rich musical culture that engulfs the city.
With a powerful coming-of-age theme, the latest release from GIRLBAND! celebrates growth and liberation from confinement, heartbreak, and oppression. It highlights the vibrant emergence of contemporary alternative ‘girl bands,’ while also addressing the subjects of queerness and womanhood. In essence, their debut EP illuminates the diverse nuances and qualities that can thrive within this scene, and it’s one that serves as a poignant reminder that punk truly is for everyone.
Words by Ruby Brown
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