Following last month’s tour with SURES, Brisbane all-girl band Go Violets have dropped their dazzling EP entitled Heart Slice.
Hold your anguished groans about “another indie pop band” because here is an enchanting and authentic release, brimming with punchy pop melodies and adolescent tales of love.
Listening to the opening track “Teenager”, it’s quite clear that their bubblegum-grunge style is inspired by the likes of Kim Deal and Best Coast.
Accompanied by a heart-on-your-sleeve lyricism and charming vocals however, Go Violets’ honest brand of beach pop should not be dismissed as purely imitative.
Initially, upbeat tracks like “Josie” and “Runner” appear to be the Govies’ strong suit, showcasing a punk-like simplicity underscored by surf-rock riffs and bassist, Harriette Pilbeam’s sweet vocal harmonies.
Contrarily, “Beside Me” and “Crazy” prove that they also excel at crafting mellow tunes about heartache. Simple lyrics like “I’m running in circles, I’m falling down backwards” emphasise a sensitive side that comical lyrics like “this is not the end or as the Spanish would say ‘fin’ “cannot.
The supreme chancellor of Heart Slice is their latest and most luscious single, “Wanted”, presenting an incredible combination of the pain of teenage love, saccharine vocals and a tinge of noise-rock.
It’s through singer Phoebe Imhoff’s touching delivery of all-too-familiar phrases (“I fell for you and I never should have”) that “Wanted” attains its superiority though.
Go Violets may not venture into unconquered territory, but Heart Slice give this classic combination of heartbreak and garage pop a much-needed polish.
