On their Bandcamp, Lambrini Girls describe themselves as “party music for gay angry sluts,” and that’s really all you need to know to be sure that their debut LP, Who Let The Dogs Out, is an instant punk rock classic. The Brighton, U.K. duo of Phoebe Lunny and Lilly Macieira released their first full-length album on January 10, and it’s a perfect introduction to noisy, angry British punk.
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Phoebe Lunny on lead vocals is a powerhouse of harshly melodic shouting. Her voice is delightfully strained and grating, easy to listen to but still does something to ignite a long-dormant fire in the gut. In conjunction with Lilly Macieira’s steady basslines and the explosive guitars and percussion, Lambrini Girls have drawn up the perfect Riot Grrrl formula.
They’ve cited bands like Le Tigre, Bikini Kill, and Spice Girls as influences, and while the first two are obvious in their sound, the third is a bit of a mystery. However, not if you listen closely. The fiercely feminine lyrics show the Spice Girls’ influence, particularly in the closing track, “Cuntology 101.” It feels like it could have been done by the Spice Girls if they were liberated from the suffocation of girl groupdom.
Lambrini Girls Take Us To Modern Punk School on Who Let The Dogs Out
Lambrini Girls are giving “imagine your nan is in the boot of your car with a croissant in her mouth and hears Bikini Kill for the first time,” as they wrote on their Bandcamp bio. They’re hyperspecific while also being universal on tracks like “Big Dick Energy” and “Special Different.”
Mate, that white knight act is getting pretty f–king irritating / Considering it’s nothing but performative, Lunny intones on “Big Dick Energy.” Should I be the one crossing the street / Because I’m scared of the man right behind me? … I’m clutching my keys as soon as it hits 10:30 / As it’s my sole responsibility to get home safely. These lyrics, delivered with matter-of-fact inflection, describe acts that are an inherent part of a woman’s experience in the world. We won’t get into all that now; all you have to do is listen to Lambrini Girls to get a sense of it.
Who Let The Dogs Out is a delightfully rowdy romp through the gay angry female psyche. It’s a must-listen for punks who are tired of the same old arguments and the same male-driven music and are looking for something new to scream to. Phoebe Lunny and Lilly Macieira have crafted a safe space for righteous fury for all kinds of people; let loose, be yourself, fight back, and know that Lambrini Girls are there for you.
Featured Image by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Image
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