The Lippies

The Lippies EP (2014)

TomTrauma

The Lippies have not even been around for a year yet, but they've already made quite a name for themselves. I didn't know the extent of the buzz surrounding the band until a recent trip to Chicago. I accidentally bumped into a well known Windy City punk musician. When I told him I was from Grand Rapids, he asked me if I knew The Lippies. I had been slow to check out the self-described feminist pop-punk band. It just didn't seem like my kind of thing, but one listen changed my mind.

I find The Lippies' music to be closer to classic punk in style. It's led by the singular voice of Tonia Broucek, and doesn't have the layers of harmonies and backing vocals usually associated with pop-punk. It's most reminiscent of the late 70's San Francisco band The Avengers. Broucek even looks a bit like a young Penelope Houston. My understanding is that she doesn't come from a punk background. Maybe it's that outsider approach that makes this so fresh sounding. Many of the songs do have a strong feminist element. If you can't handle that, I doubt The Lippies want you to listen to them anyway.

The Lippies recorded their self-titled EP only a couple months into their existence, but they already seemed to have a clear vision of where they were going. Released at the very end of 2014, the six song recording sounds as self-assured as a band who's been around for years. Opening track, "Drop Off", builds tension over the course of its four minutes. "302" might be the most frivolous song here, but it might also be the catchiest. It's a different take on the classic boy meets girl story. "Beat It Into Me" cranks up the speed, as most of the songs are closer to mid-tempo. It also turns up the anger and intensity a notch.

"Thelma & Louise" is another strong contender for catchiest song. I cant help but wonder if young people get the reference. "Sidewalk Talk" shows flashes of feminist rage. Sometimes Broucek's voice soars over the instruments like a young Johnny Rotten, complete with menacing sneer. Closing track, "Take A Ride In My Hot Air Balloon", is the EP's most whimsical. You'll surely find yourself singing along after a listen or two. If you want to get on The Lippies' bandwagon, you'd better hurry. I suspect it won't be long before some hip punk or indie label scoops them up and shares them with the world.