Growing Up

On their energetic debut Growing Up, California quartet the Linda Lindas come of age with a potent blend of classic punk, new wave, and power pop for the Gen Z crowd. Channeling everyone from Bikini Kill and L7 to the Donnas, the Runaways, and the Go-Gos, this ridiculously catchy burst of wide-eyed, youthful anthems is an inspiring win for representation. Breaking down age, gender, and racial barriers, the Asian-American and Latinx foursome first burst onto the scene with their viral hit "Racist, Sexist Boy," a churning cut of righteous anger that empowers as much as it devastates, a relatable sentiment for anyone whos ever been on the receiving end of ignorance and discrimination. That track joins nine others, which range from pogo-bounce anthems like "Talking to Myself" and "Remember," to more aggressive cuts like the lurching earworm "Oh!" and the snarling post-punk of "Fine," an ode to messy teen emotions. While the entire group -- guitarists Bela Salazar and Lucia de la Garza, bassist Eloise Wong, and drummer Mila de la Garza -- share vocal duties, Salazar takes center stage on the breezy Spanish-language "Cuantas Veces" (and her cat -- "killer of mice and rats" -- gets his time to shine on the playful "Nino"). Altogether, its pure fun to hear these young people having a blast playing purposely raw and unpolished rock, refining their chops along the way. Hinting at more to come with a little more experience and practice, Growing Up is a heartwarming opening salvo that recharges the punk spirit for a new generation while recognizing, as they sing on the endearing title track, that "theres still a little more growing up" to do. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

ライオット・ガールの正統継承者と言ってもいいLAの4人組がエピタフからついにデビュー。バンド名の由来に加え、17歳、15歳、14歳、11歳というメンバーたちの年齢など、話題に事欠かない彼女たちだが、何よりも注目すべきは楽曲のかっこよさと迫力満点の演奏だ。70年代調のパンク・ロックを基本にしながら、織り交ぜるオールディーズなポップ感覚やメンバーたちの出自に繋がるボサノヴァ風味も聴きどころ。注目されるきっかけになった"Racist, Sexist Boy"はハードコアとも言えるハード&ヘヴィーなサウンドで迫る。ちなみにいちばんの影響源は地元の大先輩、ゴーゴーズなんだとか。その若さも含め、いまもっともパンク・バンドらしいパンク・バンドによる堂々のデビューだ。
bounce (C)山口智男