Grass Widow’s latest LP proves they’re more than just a face in the crowd.
HLR,2012
7.5 / 10.0
Coming off of two solid LPs, a Portlandia appearance and tours with Sonic Youth and Wild Flag, Grass Widow have earned their indie cred, and the climate seems right for them to become more than just a face in the growing crowd of all-girl garage-rock bands. Luckily, this bass driven San Fransisco trio comprised of Raven Mahon (guitar, vocals), Hannah Lew (bass, vocals) and Lillian Marling (drums, vocals) has a few tricks up its sleeves to keep their music interesting and fresh. If you’re a fan of all that is lo-fi, Grass Widow’s latest full-length, Internal Logic, is right in your wheelhouse.
What separates Grass Widow from their peers is their rhythm section. While bands like Vivian Girls and La La Vasquez are known for their sloppy, distortion laden riffs, Grass Widow’s are just plain tight. I haven’t heard a band stop on a dime like they can since Minutemen-offshoot fIREHOSE’s 1986 debut Ragin’ Full On, especially on the tracks “Milo Minute” and “Advice”. Mike Watt would be proud.
Another positive thing Grass Widow has going for them is that they have the perfect balance of style and substance. Many post-punk acts just crank up the distortion, lay down a few surfy bass lines and call it a day. Grass Widow luckily don’t forget to create songs that are also catchy. “Disappearing Industries”, has been stuck in my head all morning. Internal Logic is littered with earworms, even if a few tracks, “Cover You” and “Under the Atmosphere”, are a bit dull and repetitive. Luckily, a few instrumental surprises, (“A Light in the Static” and the piano solo “Response to Photographers”), are tossed into the mix to keep listeners on their toes.
Internal Logic is a fun, quirky record that should be listened at least once a day accompanied by Agent Orange and Minutemen records to maintain a healthy musical lifestyle. If you haven’t checked out the rest of the Grass Widow catalog yet, I’d recommend you also purchase their self titled EP and their sophomore LP Past Time.
Purchase: Grass Widow – Internal Logic
