Lava Socks Records – September 24, 2021
Are You Ready? I Think I’m Ready…
Southern California‘s Sad Girlz Club lives up to their name on the new 3 song EP I Think I’m Ready. It’s short, it’s sweet, it’s sad, and it does exactly what any good EP does, leaves you wanting more.
The first single and title track from the band’s latest offering immediately reminded me of Lipstick Homicide. I’m a firm believer that a soprano voice lends itself incredibly well to pop punk and this is a fantastic example of just that. On the opposite end of the spectrum there’s an abrasive, gravelly textured contrast by way of shared vocal duties which brings a balance to Shelby Murray’s syrupy sweetness. With octave guitar leads that give things a Red City Radio vibe, and a driving rhythm section, the song concludes with a slowed down, choirlike outro and a declaration of moving on and moving forward. “I’m not afraid of what comes next…”
The second number, “Problems” takes on the gloomy narrative and really embraces it. If you’re down on yourself and don’t wanna leave your bed, this is your theme song. Opening with a simple guitar lead, not unlike something you’d find on an Iron Chic album, the group launches into a expertly disguised sad song about, well, constantly failing. We’ve all been there, when today just isn’t the day, and you say to yourself “I’ll fix myself again some other day.” It’s easily relatable. With another dose of double vocal deliveries, it seems they’ve found a formula that works and works well.
Ushered in with a slow, melodic baseline that’s soon intertwined with a harmonic guitar riff, the finale of the band’s fourth release quickly picks up the pace. Travis Dunbar takes the spotlight on “Tossing and Turning,” the third and final feeler, and I found myself thinking if Matt Freeman and Brenden Kelly had an illegitimate love child, this is what they might sound like. With hints of bands like The Menzingers and RVIVR, this one clocks in under 2 minutes and stays true to the somber subject matter juxtaposed with a small semblance of sanguinity and some good old fashioned rock n’ roll.
Sad Girlz Club really seems to know how to channel that sadness into a positive and empowering trio of tracks. The classic pop punk cocktail recipe is on display here complete with major chords, emotional lyrics, and garnished with plenty of “woahs.” If you’ve recently been through a breakup, this batch of bangers is for you.
Jerred Lazar is a make believe musician and wannabe writer attempting to survive in Washington DC
