Brighton-based duo Lambrini Girls aren’t ones to hold back. Rooted in riot grrl punk, the debut outing from Phoebe Lunny and Lilly Macieira, ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’, takes no prisoners. Sexual harassment in workplace, male entitlement, body confidence and eating disorders, and housing gentrification are just some of the topics the pair aim at.
Their fearless list of social ills is complemented by a brash, often rigid, brand of post-punk that echoes former tour pals, Idles. The snappy ‘Bad Apple’ sets out the confrontational tone from the outset. It’s rapid tempo swirls like a tornado of pure angst with jagged bursts of “Officer what seems to be the problem, Or can we only know post mortem” screams guitarist and vocalist Lunny. The ruthless pairing of ‘Company Culture’ and ‘Big Dick Energy’ sharply follow. They burst with frustration against misogynist and toxic male-dominated workplaces. The latter fizzes with choppy guitars and cowbell-led tempo as Lunny delivers a verbal onslaught on male scumbags who think they know better.
While Lunny and Macieira’s words are often direct, and uncompromising, there are hints of introspection. ‘Special, Different’ allows Phoebe to mull over her neurodivergence mindset, showing some vulnerability amongst the rumbling sound. “I’m a car crash trainwreck, That nobody can fix” she shouts. Her honesty is taken to another level on ‘Nothing Tastes As Good As It Feels’. Exploring the mental toll that eating disorders can have, it’s an account of self-loathing that considerably sees Lunny’s guard come down, yet allows her frustration comes out on top, even if it’s delivered with a sarcastic wink; “Also diet drinks taste like absolute fucking shit”.
Musically, Lambrini Girls‘ sound is direct, barging through with a powerful punk-spirited punch. At times, it’s uninventive as rumbling percussion and fuzzy guitars merely serve as a backdrop for Lunny’s societal angsts. Whether that be on ‘You’re Not From Round Here’ or ‘Filthy Rich Nepo Baby’ with its jangly flashes, their style is ideally uncomplicated, allowing their message to be astutely delivered.
‘Who Let The Dogs Out’ is littered with lyrical tongue-in-cheek moments, none more so than on the album’s closer – ‘Cuntology 101’. Pulsating synths give way to a narrative of self-improvement, even if it’s “cunty”. Complemented by cheerleader-like chants of “C-U-N-T”, it’s a fun, carefree finale that certainly highlights Lambrini Girls‘ no fucks given attitude.
Occasionally silly and often confrontational, Lambrini Girls‘ debut full-length may lack in musical depth yet thrives in its sharp, outspoken songwriting. Phoebe Lunny and Lilly Macieira’s intention to amplify their societal issues is executed with brash brevity, resulting in a concise narrative.
‘Who Let The Dogs Out’ by Lambrini Girls is released on January 10th, 2025 on City Slang.
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