It is hard to believe NWOBHM Legends Girlschool is still going strong after forty-five years.
An interesting point about that statement is that they recently released 'WTForty Five?', their fourteenth studio album, this past Friday via Silver Lining Music.
The band is celebrating their forty-fifth anniversary with twelve tracks of energetic rock n' roll and punk attitude that fans have come to expect from them. The quartet was formed in 1978 and Lead singer Kim McAullife and drummer Denise Dufort are the only remaining original members. This upcoming release will be their first in ten years. I was excited about this release because I always have been a fan of NWOBHM, so this was an opportunity to listen to some fresh, new material from the all-female punk band.
The sleazy track "It Is What It Is" provides a graphic depiction of the band's history. The addictive charge of fuzz-fueled guitar and the infectious screech of Mcauliffe create a sound that is reminiscent of early Girlschool and longtime friends Motorhead. Following that is the gothic-inspired "Cold Black Heart," which begins with heavy, distorted riffs and introspective, hollow vocals. The momentum continues with the youthful, punk stomper 'Bump in the Night'. I believe this is where the album loses some of the previously mentioned momentum. The sense of originality, energy and infectious tracks are replaced by the commercial 'Barmy Army' and 'Invisible Killer', which sounds like early Girlschool attempting to rediscover their youth.
Nevertheless, Girlschool has been around for a while to understand its fanbase. In a rapidly changing world where music fans' tastes differ in a world of streaming platforms and YouTube, the band attempts to perk things up with more vibrant songs like 'Into the Night' and 'Believing in You', reminiscent of younger acts like Thundermother. Alcatrazz guitarist Joe Stump adds weight and spark to 'Are You Ready? a throwback to when the girls rocked. In addition, the no-holds-barred punk rock of 'Up to No Good and the anthemic 'Party' seems to take the band to where it all began.
And, finally, the women do a rousing rendition of the Motorhead track 'Born to Raise Hell' with Saxon frontman Biff Byford and Guns 'N' Rose bassist Duff McKagan and Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell.
Overall, Girlschool continues to rock out with no signs of slowing down. This may not be their best release during their tenure but still aim please avid fans eager to hear them one more time.
Rating: 3/5
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Kim McAuliffe - guitar/vocals
Denise Dufort - drums
Jackie Chambers - guitar/backing vocals
Tracey Lamb - bass
Follow Girlschool:
Click below to watch the videos for the album via the Girlschool YouTube Channel below
'It is What It Is'
'Cold Dark Heart'
'Are You Ready? FT Joe Stump
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