Post by Ayla on Feb 13, 2016 14:43:23 GMT 8
.. Thematically, this album at its center is about coming to terms with self-identity and bucking the intolerant attitudes that exist in our culture toward transgendered men and women. Nowhere is this more evident than on “Trans Exclusionary Radical Fecal Matter,” a humorous and caustic statement against those who would stand in the way of transgender progress. On a more personal level for the songwriter, the topic of transformation functions as the centerpiece of the previously mentioned track “Perfect Symmetry” when vocalist Raine Hopper defiantly sings “I’m gonna be born again” over a catchy chorus that features backing vocals by guitarist Morgan McCoy.
On the topic of vocals, Hopper delivers all of hers in a constant growl that fluctuates between subdued and extreme. A good display of this shift in dynamics happens on “I’m Gonna Eat Your Brains and Gain Your Knowledge.” The song opens with pretty vocal harmonies sung over a lachrymose arpeggiated guitar line that extends about a third of the way into the song. But just as it begins to hit a sweet spot, everything shifts to a bouncy middle section that features some very upbeat and enjoyable interweaving guitar melodies—so enjoyable in fact that I found myself wishing they’d extended through to the end of the song, which I found a little underwhelming in contrast to everything that preceded it.
Squirm is one of those punk albums that will probably garner polarized reactions from listeners. The forcefully delivered emo-style vocals will not suit everyones ears. But you can’t accuse Raine Hopper of lacking heart, which she and the rest of the band deliver in cathartic spades on Squirm.
ovrld.com/album-reviews/meangirls-make-you-squirm-in-the-best-possible-way/
On the topic of vocals, Hopper delivers all of hers in a constant growl that fluctuates between subdued and extreme. A good display of this shift in dynamics happens on “I’m Gonna Eat Your Brains and Gain Your Knowledge.” The song opens with pretty vocal harmonies sung over a lachrymose arpeggiated guitar line that extends about a third of the way into the song. But just as it begins to hit a sweet spot, everything shifts to a bouncy middle section that features some very upbeat and enjoyable interweaving guitar melodies—so enjoyable in fact that I found myself wishing they’d extended through to the end of the song, which I found a little underwhelming in contrast to everything that preceded it.
Squirm is one of those punk albums that will probably garner polarized reactions from listeners. The forcefully delivered emo-style vocals will not suit everyones ears. But you can’t accuse Raine Hopper of lacking heart, which she and the rest of the band deliver in cathartic spades on Squirm.
ovrld.com/album-reviews/meangirls-make-you-squirm-in-the-best-possible-way/