Hello and welcome back to another week of Punk Prism! This week we’ll be diving into the sounds of femme punk pioneers, and exploring how punk both draws from and inspires other genres. Hunker down, turn up the volume, and let yourself travel through time with these transcendent tunes.
ESG “Moody”
First up this week are your favorite band’s favorite band. Formed in the South Bronx in the late 70’s, ESG emulated black femme excellence in every track. Fusing elements of post-punk, hip-hop, and house music, the trio of sisters consistently produced fresh and ahead-of-their-time classics. Despite several of their songs being sampled hundreds of times over in hip-hop, rap, and neo-soul, the group existed before effective licensing laws. Thus, they have seen little to no financial compensation for their genius.
French Vanilla “Evolution”
Next, LA-based art punks French Vanilla know how to throw a dance party. Theatrical and punchy, “Evolution” is a captivating tale of a friendship gone wrong and its ensuing complex emotions. Close your eyes and let yourself be transported to a dark and smokey 80s club with this time-transcendent tune.
Essential Logic “Brute Fury”
Further, after sensational saxophonist Lora Logic departed from X-Ray Spex in 1978, she went on to form a lesser-known yet pioneering post-punk group called Essential Logic. This upbeat and spunky tune carries all of the artistic mastery of X-Ray Spex. However, it also brings an avant-garde and innovative perspective to the future of punk.
Fanny “Come and Hold Me”
Next, groove out to this California Dreamin’ rock band from the 70’s. Fanny was the first all-female group to sign to a major record label. Despite only making music for three years, the group garnered the attention and adoration of the likes of David Bowie and Cher. “Come and Hold Me” illuminates both their laid-back beachy influences and against-the-grain rock’n’roll ethos.
Automatic “On the Edge”
Finally, let yourself float to this ethereal number. Alluring, swirling synths, droning vocals, and a riveting post-punk attitude unafraid of dressing down hypocrisy: Make way for Automatic. Forged in the flames of LA’s DIY art scene, the trio signed to tastemaking local indie stalwart Stone’s Throw in 2019. Automatic has thrown a gauntlet with their sophomore album Excess. Released in June of 2022, the record hones in on the band’s disillusionment with a consumerist and self-obsessed society in a “post”-pandemic world.
We hope you enjoyed this week’s punk picks, and found a few new tracks to add to your rotation. Stay tuned for more punk pioneers, diverse sounds and influential artists who are constantly reinventing the scene.
Lastly, if you are interested in submitting songs for consideration, message us on Instagram or email kyleewiens11@gmail.com.
