Since their lo-fi punk-pop debut album in 2010, the Dum Dum Girls have really cemented themselves as a prolific, solid and assured rock band.
Thanks in no small part to lead singer, Kristin Gundred aka Dee Dee, whose songwriting has only become stronger with each release, as her vocals become ever more interesting and confident.
Their newest release begins with ‘Mine Tonight’, with vocals and punky bassline for bare verses before reverbed, atmospheric guitars let the song soar for a huge chorus.
Elsewhere, album highlight ‘Lord Knows’, is a nod to Tommy James & the Shondells ‘Crimson and Clover‘ but is a far more mellow and ethereal track. It is a beautiful song about needing to let go of something no matter how hard it may seem.
The EP closes with the light 80s infused ‘Season In Hell’; indeed after the muscularity of their last couple of releases, it’s a real pleasure to hear that Dum Dum Girls can be just as thrilling and pack as much of an emotional punch with these lighter and more delicate songs.
Whether or not this EP turns out to be a hint at a future direction, or is just a side-step in their discography, it’s a pleasure to listen to one of the most consistent rock groups of the last few years delving further into their own distinctive voice.
-Wyatt Lawton-Masi
