The name of the band sometimes tells what we can expect from it. Joanna Gruesome is an ironic reference to folk singer Joanna Newsom but this band is far from folk. Here we have a true pop-punk, noise-pop band that decided to continue where it stopped with highly praised debut Weird Sister. They have not lost anything from their expression and they are not followed by second album curse. On the contrary, their latest effort is even stronger than the previous one.
Band didn’t compromise itself. We still have engaged lyrics, feministic and antihomophobic so it is not unusual that they are labeled as riot girl band. Labels are for shirts, but in this case, they should be proud of the classification they are falling under. Punk matrix is brilliantly intersectioned with noise elements.
The only notable complaint would be that the album is too short (it lasts 21 minutes) but since songs make so much sense while hitting at the core of social problematique, I didn’t have problem with it. Peanut Butter is short but sweet with sarcastic parody notes, especially when it comes to love. Just take a listen at Hey I Wanna Be Yr Best Friend, a rhythm noise pop number characterized as punk ballade, and you will hear what I am talking about.
Last Year is the biggest hit in which Allana kicks ass with her vocal interpretation. It is a catchy track with hardcore punk ground that found its place on the music charts. Lyrics is very intelligent: And I will cry for one’s passing away, Should I love when I do what I know, When brothers and sisters and miles and border, It’s no fun, that I, know no one to say my name.
Honestly Do Your Worst is a different thing. It was a first single from the album. It was a smart move since it is a truly impressive mixture of noise, punk, blues and nu-gaze. Jamie (Luvver) and Jerome (Liar) refer to each other so a special bond is created on the record. Both tracks are criticizing masculinity and heteronormativity dominant in rock music.
Peanut Butter is a complex of various genres, concisely blended and well thought. Female vocal is even more prominent in its fight against music industry. Tolerance is in their blood and self-criticism runs through their veins. Maybe If it lasted longer, it wouldn’t be as efficient. In this way, we got inspiring album that will take your breath (and culture-fascism) away.
