Intent on delivering unabashed riot grrrl rock Portland quartet Summer Cannibals return with Something New, the first single from the band’s sophomore album Show Us Your Mind.
Under the guidance of the prolific Larry Cane Summer Cannibals are raising the stakes with their hard and fast rock n’ roll.
Following their 2012 formation, the 2013 release of debut LP No Makeup and 2014 EP Make You Better the band have spent the better part of 2014 as a supporting act for numerous international acts including The War on Drugs, The Growlers, the Black Lips and Chvrches. A year of touring has done little but reinforce the bands dedication to delivering stripped-back no-nonsense rock. It’s obvious from the get- go that the band is not so much as looking to re-invent the wheel as take things up a notch and blow the lid off the place.
There is no eclectic mix of postmodern influences here. This is unabashed riot grrl goodness. Summer Cannibals retread the steps of predecessors Sleater-Kinney and rock goddesses The Runaways in a glorious collision of glam and punk rock. While not breaking the mold, the Portlandians have performed admirably in attempting to create a bigger and badder sound.
It is difficult to overlook the fact that the track was produced and mixed by the prolific Larry Crane. Formerly of John Mellencamp (yes he was one of the guitarists on Jack and Diane), since his days as a Mellencamp sideman Larry has lent his talents as a producer, mixer and sound engineer to the likes of musical luminaries Elliot Smith, The Go-Betweens, The Decemberists, Cat Power and Sleater-Kinny (to name but a few). This is a man who knows how to capture a great guitar track and Something New is no exception. When comparing the vocal and instrumental mix from the similar No Makeup single Wear Me Out, it is clear that the Cannibals has benefited from their pairing with this industry veteran.
Blunt and to the point this track hits hard and fast. An energetic rolling bass with liberal application of fuzz effect, crashing drums and aggressive sing-song vocals drive the song start to finish. Vocalist Jessica Boudreaux announces her desire to replace an ex-lover with ‘something new’, mustering up all the strut, swagger and insolent conviction that could be desired. Guitarist Marc Swart has no reservations laying down some heavy 70s guitar riffs and an in-your-face solo to boot.
Show Us Your Mind will be released by the band’s self-owned label New Moss on March 3rd.
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