Lambrini Girls are a UK-based queer punk trio that recently released their first EP. Titled “You’re Welcome,” the EP combines their three singles and three new tracks.
Inspired by popular Riot Grrl pioneers like Le Tigre and Bikini Kill, their music is loud and raw. Lead vocalist and guitarist Phoebe Lunny is able to blend screaming with her singing, switching between the two in a satisfying show of energy and rage. They utilize pop culture references and slang, creating a sound that can resonate with a modern audience.
The band’s most popular song, and the first track, is “Boys in the Band.” The song criticizes male privilege in the music industry and how fame allows people to get away with doing whatever they want. Bassist Lily Macieira and drummer, who they say is Banksy, the famous street artist, keep up a driving rhythm underneath the scathing lyrics.
Lack of accountability will become a recurring theme throughout the tracklist, and “Boys in the Band” is a strong introduction to their work.
“Terf Wars” is the next track. Terf is short for trans-exclusionary radical feminist and calls out those who do not believe trans women should be included in feminist ideals. The song focuses on calling out transphobic ideals and standing up for all women. Lily’s riffs may just be the highlight of the song, carrying in between Phoebe’s verses. The song’s ending is also memorable, where Phoebe breaks the tune and says, “There’s a reason your kids aren’t talking to you anymore, Carol. It’s because you’re being transphobic on Facebook again.”
“Mr. Lovebomb” revolves around being showered with extravagant gifts and affection, with it later turning sour and owing the one buying you things. Lovebomb is louder and features more raw screaming than most other tracks.
“Lads Lads Lads” was the most recent single to be released prior to the full EP. Like much of the band’s work, it criticizes toxic masculinity, a lack of accountability, and homophobia. The lyrics take the role of a stereotypical man in a bar, passing between violence towards gays, getting away with violence towards women, and the gang mentality that allows this to happen. Phoebe’s vocals and Lily’s riffs work together delightfully, making the song catchy on a first listen. The lyrics, once understood, prove that they have a story to tell. The song features lines such as “cornered her in a bathroom, but you can’t prove that” and “Wifebeater vest, swing for a punch. ‘Cause the man at the bar was wearing makeup.” Lambrini Girls clarifies the type of person this song calls out.
Second to last is the band’s first release, “Help me I’m gay.” Sitting as their second-most popular song, the song is, expectedly, about homophobia and those around them not understanding.“Help me, I’m gay. Yet every boy I know just assumes I’m straight.” The song goes by fast, partly for its simplicity and just over two-minute run-time, and partly due to the fast guitar and bass parts connecting each line. The vocals have a noticeably different tonality than the band’s other songs. Rather than making the song seem disconnected from the rest of the EP, it serves as a break and breath of fresh air towards the end.
Last but not least is “White Van.” Once again, turning towards toxic masculinity as the focus, now laying into catcalling and objectification. “Yet, as I cross the road, I’ve heard no remark. Maybe just this once, have I won, is there a chance?”
“White Van” ends the EP with a bang, although the mix of a fast pace, screamed lyrics, and heavy British accent makes the song unintelligible at times. It takes a few listens to even begin to hear what the song is about. “Lads Lads Lads” also suffers from this, although on a lesser scale.
Being from Brighton, “Lambrini Girls” have only had live shows in Europe as of yet. They have grown from only the UK to Italy and the Netherlands. They can be found on most music streaming services, as well as Instagram under @lambrinigirlz, and Facebook as just their name.
With the debut EP having been released just last May, there is no current news about future releases. As the trio remains active both in live performances and on their socials, it seems hopeful that they will stick around.
