While you’ve probably got all of your favorite tunes lined up for you summer 2016 playlist, you may be looking for something new to freshen up the mix a bit. That’s where I come in to save the day with these five kick-ass girl bands who have upbeat, fun and completely summer-playlist worthy power jams.
Vivian Girls
Vivian Girls are a three piece that developed from the DIY scene out of Brooklyn, New York in the mid-2000’s. While their punk influences shine through on many of their songs, there is also a very clear surf influence in their music as well. Their overall sound can be described as washy, yet super powerful and very much in your face. One minute you’re singing along to Cassie Ramone’s simplistic vocals, and the next minute your jumping to bombastic drums and shredding guitar. No matter which of these you prefer, there’s no doubt that you won’t want at least one of their songs on your playlist.
Listen to: I Heard You Say, The Other Girls, Tell The World
The She’s
Being from San Francisco, it’s no surprise that The She’s have the surf rock revival sound down to perfection. Their music is composed of sunny guitar parts, simplistic and cute lyrics, and very complex and beautiful harmonies. If The Beach Boys were girls, this is what they would sound like. Whether you prefer their more polished, 1960s sound, or their washed out, surfy, shoegazy tracks, The She’s will make you want to hit up the beach and hang ten.
Listen to: Dream Girl, Fabian, Put It All Together
Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice is the perfect band for anyone that loves 80s post-punk and 90s grunge. Front woman Ellie Rowsell is a complete powerhouse performer who can go from sweet vocals to full on screaming and straight up shredding. The entire band together are ridiculously energetic on record and live (trust me, they’re incredible live). Their debut album My Love Is Cool was one of the top albums last summer and it can totally be the top album of this summer once again.
Listen to: Freazy, Fluffy, You’re A Germ
Escort
Contemporary disco is a genre you most likely never thought you needed in your life, but you really, really do. Escort is a contemporary disco band from Brooklyn that has recently gained popularity. When you hear disco, don’t think about the disco records your parents used to spin back in the day. Their sound is a super fresh take on old school disco that uses elements of the past with a mix of modern dance music. Front woman Adeline Michele’s powerful and very clear vocals add to the energy and color of Escort’s music making each song one you want to dance all night to.
Listen to: Body Talk, Animal Nature, Actor Out Of Work
Haim
How sweet would it be to start a band with your sisters? That’s exactly what Haim is. Danielle, Este, and Alana Haim rose to pop-rock popularity with their debut album Days Are Gone. While their primary sound is pop based, they also use a great mix of dance, indie, and 80s pop to give them a sound that completely stands out from any pop music on the radio. While we are al patiently waiting for their sophomore album, any track of their debut is sure to be a summertime jam.
Listen to: If I Could Change Your Mind, Falling, My Song 5
I hope my enthusiasm for playlist making has passed on to you and that you compose the most righteous summer soundtrack yet! Have fun, babes!
