Album Review :: Sløtface - Try Not To Freak Out

Album

Sløtface

Try Not To Freak Out

September 15 2017 (Propeller Recordings)

7.5/10

Words: Alison Mack

Norwegian pop punks Sløtface (pronounced Slutface) bring out the big punk-pop vibes on this exuberant 32-minute debut album, produced by Dan Austin.

Kicking off the first of the 11 tracks, 'Magazine' bursts on a rallying cry against image stereotyping around Haley Shea's powerfully sweet vocals and a raft of crunchy guitar lines. While 'Pitted' exudes sharp lyrics about “those nights when I’d rather stay home” on a bubbly pop base, 'Sunbleached' tones down the fun with a more mellow approach.

Known for their strong political views and stance on women's rights, earlier single cut ‘Nancy Drew’, continues Sløtface’s fiery feminist footsteps, with Shea reimagining the track’s teen detective namesake as the noble vanquisher of indie rock’s boys’ club:.“My girl is wiping slates clear / And I long for the look / And a soundtrack of women who all know what’s up / I keep hearing their cherry bombs through the walls,” she seethes amid sneaky, plundering guitars. ’Backyard’ is their Breeders styled closer, with vocals working a snarl around childhood tales of mischief and discovery, before the song decends into an all out noisefest to finish.

Filled with energy right from the off, 'Try Not To Freak Out' lends a focal point to a generation who feel marginalised, as well as adding some bite and vim behind the banner-bearing for good measure.