In their latest EP, “Trash and Glamour,” New York-based band Bad Mary returns with an unapologetic and electrifying collection of songs that pays homage to their punk rock roots. This EP serves as a powerful statement, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver hard-hitting guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Amandas agressive yet sometimes sweet vocals with a twist of melodic and fun lyrics.
The EP opens with “Vibe-icide” and it sets the tone with its hard punk edge sound. The song starts with some snare percussion, gradually building up the tension before exploding into gritty guitars and a groovy bassline. The instrumental arrangement captures the energy and intensity of punk rock, creating a dynamic and classic street style musical backdrop.
The lyrics of “Vibe-icide” delve into themes of self-sabotage and self-destructive tendencies. Amanda expresses a willingness to kill her own bad vibes and embraces the top ranks in experiencing bad times. It’s an acknowledgement of self-loathing and indicates a struggle with of maintaining a positive mood. The lines, “If I do something right, did it the wrong way” and “If I do something wrong, did it the right way,” convey a sense of the internal conflict we get and the undermine ourselves.
“Vibe-icide” captures the gritty and rebellious spirit of punk rock with its explosive instrumentation and introspective lyrics. It sets a strong and energetic tone for the rest of the EP, showcasing Bad Mary’s ability to deliver hard-hitting and authentic punk sound. It really does make for a great opening and gives us a nice little appetizer.
“The Floor Is Lava” exudes a great vibe with its catchy beat and infectious sing-along melody. The song stands out for its nonsensical nature, which is reminiscent of classic punk songs that embrace playful and lighthearted themes. It captures the essence of childhood memories, particularly the game where you jump from one surface to another, pretending the floor is lava. Or in my case, the desks at my school, which were not really the best of ideas given the design. Painful memories.
The lyrics of “The Floor Is Lava” paint a picture of chaos and misadventures. Johnny hits his head, Katie’s knees are shredded, Kevin encounters the ceiling fan, and Becky’s planter stand falls unexpectedly. Despite these mishaps, the song emphasizes the unstoppable nature of the game, as not everyone is deterred by accidents. It evokes a sense of carefree fun and the willingness to embrace risks and challenges in pursuit of enjoyment.
The nonsensical dialogue about a credenza and a hutch further enhances the light-hearted and humorous atmosphere. The track’s upbeat rhythm, infectious melody, and humorous lyrics make it an enjoyable and memorable addition to the EP. It has no real meaning, or deep message I don’t think. It’s just a good old fashioned punk rock song.
“Light It Up” serves as a love letter to rock and roll and the exhilaration of being on stage. It captures the essence of the band’s passion and energy, making it one of the most explosive tracks on the EP. Songs like “Light It Up” are particularly fitting for live performances where the goal is to energize and engage the crowd.
The song embodies the spirit of rock and roll, celebrating the raw power and excitement of the genre. It serves as an anthem for the band and their love for creating music that ignites emotions and connects with listeners. Which is why I think in a live setting, “Light It Up” would be a fitting choice to energize the crowd, getting them actively involved and immersed in the music. A great opening track. The song’s explosive nature and its love letter to rock and roll can inspire fans to let loose, embrace the moment, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
The song “I Just Called To Say Fuck You” is a clever track by Bad Mary that offers a punk rock twist on Stevie Wonder’s classic hit “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” It’s very subtle, but there are parts that almost borrow from the melody of the original song during the chorus, while infusing it with a rebellious and edgy punk rock vibe.
The lyrics convey a sense of bitterness and resentment towards someone from the past. Amanda recalls a moment when this person took their hand and looked at them, only to break up in a public space, causing embarrassment and hurt. Despite time passing and the other person likely forgetting about it, Amanda feels the need to express their feelings now. And boy, don’t we all sometimes.
The mention of a coffee shop and a part-time job, and the experience of being replaced and subsequently getting fired in a public space, adds to the narrative of disappointment and feeling wronged by someone. It suggests that while you may have moved on and have a better life now, you still want the other person to know how they were affected by their actions.
It juxtaposes the sweetness and sentimentality of the original Stevie Wonder song with a rebellious and confrontational approach. The track stands as a punk rock counterpart to the original, offering a cathartic release for Amanda, or anyone of us really. Throw a rock and you’re sure to hit someone that’s gone through the same thing. It resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of resentment and want to assert themselves against those who have wronged them.
The final track on the album, “Are You With The Band?” is a fitting closing song with a great rock vibe. It addresses a common question that those in the music industry often hear at live shows, where people inquire if they are part of the band. The track embraces the spirit of a short and simple punk rock anthem, delivering a high-energy and catchy experience.
The lyrics of “Are You With The Band?” capture the attitude and confidence of the band members. The mention of a black night and feeling uptight sets the stage for an intense and potentially confrontational atmosphere. The lyrics playfully challenge anyone who might try to provoke them or question their position. The reference to hot shoes and new brews adds to the rebellious and energetic tone of the song.
The track’s straightforward and catchy nature, combined with its rock vibe, make it a memorable and impactful closing song. It encapsulates the essence of punk rock anthems by delivering a burst of energy, inviting listeners to join in and embrace the rebellious spirit of the band.
This EP solidifies Bad Mary’s place in the punk rock scene and showcases their growth as artists. By going back to their roots, they have tapped into a raw and primal energy that resonates with listeners. The EP serves as a reminder that sometimes simplicity is key, and that true artistry lies in the ability to capture the essence of a genre while injecting it with your own unique flavor.
“Trash and Glamour” is an EP that encapsulates the essence of Bad Mary. It’s a powerful declaration of their unapologetic punk rock sound and an affirmation of their musical journey thus far. With this release, Bad Mary proves that they are a force to be reckoned with, leaving us eagerly awaiting their next sonic assault. And I strongly suggest catching the band’s live streams. They are content
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