So there's this kinda new band from San Francisco. Their album came out about six weeks ago, and it goes by the name of.. Album. Crazy titling, I know. Oh, and the band are called Girls, despite being made up of two guys. So yeah, searching for them online was fun (also on the unsearchable band list: !!! and WHY?).
Anyway, what's the deal with Girls? Well, besides an interesting backstory (singer Owens grew up in the Children of God cult, and had a pretty screwed-up childhood as a result), they've released one of the best albums of the year. It's hard to put a finger on what exactly makes it so good to be honest, I can only bleat uselessly about how good it makes me feel. Even when plumbing depths of wretched emotion, Album always rides with a glimmer of hope and awe. At its most exhilirating points, such as in wonderful opener "Lust for Life", it's a serious rush.
Unsurprisingly, most of the album is about, well, girls. By extension, it examines friendship, youth, despair and joy. This is well-trodden ground, but Owens' lyrics are sharp enough, and his voice evocative enough, that it never feels stale. Both band members are accomplished musicians, swinging through takes on sunshine pop, shoegaze, Buddy Holly-esque rock and more with consummate ease (epic centrepiece "Hellhole Ratrace" even has shades of post-rock).
Basically, Girls rule. Listen to them. They're on Spotify, I checked =)
Anyway, what's the deal with Girls? Well, besides an interesting backstory (singer Owens grew up in the Children of God cult, and had a pretty screwed-up childhood as a result), they've released one of the best albums of the year. It's hard to put a finger on what exactly makes it so good to be honest, I can only bleat uselessly about how good it makes me feel. Even when plumbing depths of wretched emotion, Album always rides with a glimmer of hope and awe. At its most exhilirating points, such as in wonderful opener "Lust for Life", it's a serious rush.
Unsurprisingly, most of the album is about, well, girls. By extension, it examines friendship, youth, despair and joy. This is well-trodden ground, but Owens' lyrics are sharp enough, and his voice evocative enough, that it never feels stale. Both band members are accomplished musicians, swinging through takes on sunshine pop, shoegaze, Buddy Holly-esque rock and more with consummate ease (epic centrepiece "Hellhole Ratrace" even has shades of post-rock).
Basically, Girls rule. Listen to them. They're on Spotify, I checked =)
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