By Jonni D
When Petrol Girls dropped their debut full-length in 2016, it was quickly apparent that the UK punk scene had been gifted with a powerful new voice. ‘Talk of Violence’ was a joyously ramshackle purging of socio-political grievances from a band that had a lot to be angry about. Although Petrol Girls have just as much inspiration for their aggression in 2019, their sophomore album ‘Cut & Stitch’ showcases a grand leap in quality and artistic intent.
Pillared by interludes and spoken-word segments, ‘Cut & Stitch’ carries itself more like a piece of aural theatre than a traditional record; tracks elegantly flowing from one to the next as vocalist Ren Aldridge allows new facets of herself to be revealed from song to song. She declares in ‘Monstrous’, “This is not all of me/I choose the parts you see.” While in this context she is alluding to notions of external expectations bestowed upon her from an unnamed perpetrator, the lyric is telling of her unified view of self, and indicative of the album’s inherent sense of wholeness. Contrary to its title, this is not a record that lends itself easily to the random selections on a Spotify playlist.
It’s clear from the very beginning of the album that Petrol Girls have broadened their creative canvas. ‘The Sound’ and its preceding intro track is a fascinating amalgamation of abrasive post-hardcore and something close to 90’s UK dance performed by conventional rock instrumentation. Hell, Ren even sounds reminiscent of Faithless’ Maxi Jazz in her rhythmic patterns.
Just in case there’s any doubt, the four-piece hasn’t shied away from their unashamedly political themes. ‘Tangled In Lives’ is a rousing call for solidarity in light of environmental crises, bolstered by a stirring refrain as well as subtly ambient guitar work and backing vocals from Joe York. ‘Big Mouth’ directly highlights Petrol Girls’ inherent feminism in a delightfully brazen manner, while ‘No Love For A Nation’ is rather self-explanatory in its lyrical content. There are moments of a more personal nature, though; ‘Skye’ and ‘Rootless’ being two of the most memorable tracks on the album. The former is a gut-punching ode to Ren’s childhood dog, while the latter is an almost voyeuristic insight into an individual’s experience of hopelessness.
It’s difficult to think of a band of this ilk that has made such a marked improvement from debut to sophomore. Gallows perhaps is the closest comparison, in their evolution from ‘Orchestra of Wolves’ to ‘Grey Britain.’ Much like that band’s second record, ‘Cut & Stitch’ is a snapshot of its time; condemning of the shortcomings of those who hold power, whilst offering a rallying cry that change is possible through a unified effort.
- ‘Cut & Stitch’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
- Petrol Girls will be touring in September:
- Saturday 14 – London, Loud Women Fest 4
- Sunday 15 – Norwich, Waterfront Studio
- Tuesday 17 – Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club
- Wednesday 18 – Edinburgh, Sneaky Petes
- Thursday 19 – Birmingham, Flapper
- Friday 20 – Bristol, Exchange
- Saturday 21 – Southampton, Joiners
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