By BRIAN GIFFIN
IT’S always great to see a new local band doing well and Sydney’s Downgirl have made huge leaps and bounds since their live debut less than two years ago.
Manic perfectly encapsulates the band’s raw energy, aggression and power, while also betraying their biggest influences. Fiery opener “Fiend” glowers with a metallic grunge that sways close to the snarly swagger of obvious heroes L7, Alex Neville’s surly vocal adding impetus to that vibe. Co-vocalist and lead guitarist Kristen Adams stamps her authority on the Hole-like “Body”, all jangly bass and spooky guitar lines, and that L7 feel again pervades the swampy sludge of “Beauty Queen”. None of this makes Downgirl a flaky pastiche of their influences though. There’s a genuine honesty to the delivery and a raw depth of talent and songwriting clout at play that combines to ensure that no track is wasted. Each one is a killer.
“2006” bounces along on Lou Harbidge’s popping bass and Skarlett Saramore’s snappy drumming, the angular guitar melodies and huge shout-along chorus combining into a riotous political statement on the treatment of Indigenous Australians. The ferociously biting punk of recent single “Boys” tackles toxic masculinity with a sinister bass rumble and the one-take blitz of “Malibu Stacy” closes things out with a sharp taste of pure attitude.
Manic is the perfect start for an ascendency sure to come. The world needs more oestrogen-driven guitar-fuelled aggression, and Downgirl delivers in spades.
