‘Spunky!’ is the debut album from Indonesian band Grrrl Gang I have to say for me, if I see any band in any way associated with the Kill Rock Stars record label, it always piques my interest.’ Spunky’ has been released across several labels across the world- Green Island Music in partnership with exclusive licensees Kill Rock Stars (for North, Central, and South America), Trapped Animal Records (UK and EU), and Big Romantic Records (Japan and Taiwan). So many good bands have been associated with Kill Rock Stars in particular, and Grrrl Gang are no exception.
Spunky! is a fun debut that is in no way one dimensional. I note that on their Bandcamp bio, they have described themselves as an ‘indie pop trio’. While there is definitely indie-pop moments to be had here- such as songs ‘Blue Stained Lips’ and ‘The Star’, there is also punky, riot grrrl moments too. Title track ‘Spunky’ is one of those moments, even featuring lyrics that wouldn’t seem out of a place on a Bikini Kill album- ‘I was born in the pit, I gave birth in the pit, I never shave my pits, Let me swallow your spit’. ‘Better than Life’ is a minute and a half shouty assault that will stick in your mind. The song is quite dark, dealing with thoughts of depression.
Other topics touched upon on this album include insecurity on single ‘Cool Girl’ (a personal favourite for me) and self loathing on ‘Birthday Blues’. So despite the fun sounding title, ‘Spunky!’ actually covers a whole spectrum of personal emotions.
The band have been together since 2016 and have already built an impressive fanbase in that time. They have toured around South East Asia and one of their first singles ‘Bathroom’ received over a million streams online. With the release of ‘Spunky!’ I am sure that they will be making waves here in the UK also.
‘Spunky’ is out now and you can buy it on Grrrl Gang’s Bandcamp
Follow Grrrl gang on Instagram/Facebook
Article by Hayley Foster da Silva
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