Review Summary: Party Music for Gay Angry Sluts
Listening to the debut LP from the Lambrini Girls I feel like my brain kept shouting “SIMPSONS DID IT!” Not so much in that there was a cockney Rollins Band-esque version of the Spice Girls on the show at any point. It’s more that for someone that’s been around the punk block for a while the majority of what’s happening on Who Let the Dogs Out apes prodigiously from what’s come before it. Lead singer and guitarist Phoebe Lunny cites the like of Courtney Love and Bikini Kill as inspirations and it shows in abundance here.
Eleven tracks coming in at just under 30 minutes the album doesn’t present any conundrums for the listener. If anything, the straight-forward nature of the band’s music, lyrics, and song titles let you know exactly what you are in for. In a charming way, it works. I can see an angsty 15-year-old eating this up with a spoon and arguing with their parents that they just don’t understand. Lunny and her partner, bassist Lilly Macieira spew cockney vitriol with the best of them. Part of the problem is that while the music itself is interesting, the lyrics are a little too close to whiny journal of a teenager fed on pop-culture topics and thriving off contrarian viewpoints. Example, Big Dick Energy feels overly long at 4 minutes. It’s a joke that was funny for 30 seconds, and that one friend is still talking about it 6 weeks later. Similar goes for tracks like No Homo, Cuntology 101, and Filthy Rich Nepo Baby. The Lambrini Girls are best on tracks like Love, and You’re Not From Around Here which takes a look at gentrification with a blunt and honest pen.
The lyricism for this review was hit or miss, and somewhat mood dependent. While the aforementioned tracks were shallow, they are fun and definitely going to piss off the thin skinned out there. Vocals range from a whiny sneer to a more spoken word tone. Pop sensibilities are relegated to the rhythm section, not the singer. Musically while contrived it’s well executed. The girls aren’t afraid to experiment with tone and velocity throughout the LP. The early 90’s grunge influence is on constant display. A ton of fuzzy bass and thick guitar distortion are woven in every track. A standout for me was the drum work. I know the band split with drummer Catt Jack in ’23 but sources still list them as the percussionist for the album. Top-notch work and elevates the overall experience from from decent to borderline excellent. Hopefully with touring musicians they don’t lose the vibe that’s present on the album.
Listen, this isn’t the type of music you listen to for deep, contemplative thought. This is the album you throw on while you’re half-tossed hanging out with your friends and want something to just rage along to. For many this is a refresh on the Riot Grrrl bands of the 90’s. Bikini Kill, Sleater Kenny mixed with some of the more topical punk rock of the day ala Henry Rollins or L7. Speaking of L7 – remember when Donita Sparks pulled a tampon out of her crotch on stage and whipped it at a fan? This is the musical equivalent of that.
