Thursday, July 09, 2009
You might have guessed by our recent trip up north that we didn't just go up there for shits and giggles (aka BBQs and fireworks). Or just to see The Strange Boys who we've probably seen twenty-five too many times in the last few months. No, actually, our trip northward was due to being bit by the lovebug for the ATL's The Coathangers.
After catching a bit of their first L.A. show last year at The Smell and subsequently purchasing their self-titled 2007 record, we were immediately smitten with their catchy riot grrl punk rock. And, surely, all fans of Bratmobile, Longstocking, and Team Dresch are yearning for the kind of fun sing-along ranting choruses found in songs like "Wreckless Boy," "Nestle in My Boobies," and "Don't Touch My Shit!"
Their latest record Scramble (released earlier this year on Suicide Squeeze), incorporates more interesting keyboard-driven melodies into their overlapping sis-boom-bah vocals and counter-melodic rhythms, which makes for a stronger collection of songs. "Stomp Stomp Stompin'," "Arthritis Sux", and "Toomerhead" are all great but there's something about "Pussywillow" and "143" that make us smile ear to ear -- although for the latter it's fairly obvious with lyrics like "I think it's so much better that we never met, Now there's nothing to regret, I love you."
Yes, Los Angeles does have bands that sound like The Coathangers (Eagle and Talon, WEAVE!, and of course Mika Miko to name a few), but there's nothing wrong with flirting with a few southern belles once in awhile. And, yeah, we'll probably be over them by the morning, but until then... Los Angeles loves The Coathangers.
The Coathangers finish up their tour with The Strange Boys this week. Go see them.
The Coathangers on MySpace.
Photos from recent shows here.
The Coathangers - "Stop Stomp Stompin'" (MP3) from the new album "Scramble" out now on Suicide Squeeze
Purchase here
The Coathangers - "Don't Touch My Shit!" (MP3) from the debut album "The Coathangers"
Purchase here
