When the debut album from Minneapolis-based punk band Spit Takes landed in my inbox, it was like Christmas had come early. Not only do the band have a super cool band name, but the songs on Teeth seem to mash together so many bands I love and turn them into something that basically feels like my dream sound for a punk band.
Straight away, when opening track ‘Groomers’ kicks in, I was reminded of my favourite band ever, riot grrrl legends Bikini Kill, so Spit Takes had already won me over before the album had even really begun. Then comes ‘Joyride’, a full-throttle assault that is noisy, loud and dangerous, with the same punk sass that makes Amyl and the Sniffers such a brilliant band. Later in the album, ‘White Girls’ has the tongue-in-cheek energy of 90s punk heroes Lunachicks. Side note: if you’ve never heard ‘Babysitters on Acid’, do yourself a favour and look it up immediately.
Some songs feel absolutely made for punk pogoing. ‘Ex Triggers’ includes a ready-made clapalong section that I can already imagine going off live, while ‘Teeth’ itself is almost impossible not to move to. The whole album feels restless and alive, packed with frantic riffs, shouted vocals and the kind of chaotic energy that makes punk music feel genuinely exciting.
The songs are so strong it’s difficult to pick a favourite, but ‘Badass’ comes very close. It’s a song about allyship and friendship that honestly feels like a future punk anthem: “When you speak up for my rights, you’re a badass! When you shut up and listen, you’re a badass! Disrupt the system!” It captures the spirit of the album perfectly. Fierce and community-driven all at once.
There’s also a real punk ethos running throughout Teeth. Beneath all the chaos and fun, the band tackle topics like sexuality not fitting neatly into boxes on ‘Gold Star’, alongside wider feelings of frustration and unrest in difficult times. But importantly, the album never loses its sense of humour. Even at its angriest, there’s still a mischievous grin running through it.
Overall, Teeth is a brilliant, punchy and energetic debut that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. It’s the kind of album that makes you want to jump around your bedroom, start a band, or head straight into the nearest sweaty punk venue. I genuinely cannot wait to hear what Spit Takes do next.
Teeth is out now and you can get it on Bandcamp
Spit Takes Socials: Facebook/Instagram
Review by Hayley Foster da Silva
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