If you like the tunes on the Revenge Of The She-Punks and The World Of Keith Haring compilations, you should definitely check out I Play My Bass Loud, the full-length solo debut by London-based musician/filmmaker Gina Birch. Forty-six years may have passed since she started feminist punk band The Raincoats, but the fire hasn’t died down (you can add expletives and exclamation marks to the album title in your mind). A mishmash of styles and influences comes along in the eleven songs here, which feel like a New York house party at night. The lyrics are outspoken or humorous but always direct and heartfelt (listen to the scheming in Big Mouth, or the subtle Dr. Martens promotion in I Will Never Wear Stillettos, and you’ll know what I mean). Electronics predominate and sound effects are not shunned, although guitars are heavily ravaged in a few songs (thank you, Thurston Moore), the loudest in single Wish I Was You (including Cannonball riff). This is anything but a straightforward rock album, but Gina Birch knows how to achieve optimal effect and atmosphere.
I Play My Bass Loud, recorded by Martin “Youth” Glover, is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP through Third Man Records.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Discogs || Third Man
PS/update: Read a more extensive backstory at Bandcamp Daily: “I like weird noises.”