Manchester’s Indie-Rock duo Dirty Blonde have released their newest EP “Looking For Trouble” – a five-track offering of indie-grunge, full of attitude and big tunes to suit many – it’s no surprise that they’ve been featured on Radio 1, Radio X and BBC Introducing.
Starting off the EP is “Polly” – an incredibly rocky start catching your attention almost immediately – lead vocalist Ailis Mackay flows into it beautifully, bringing in a mellower sound but the backing track moves with her soothing tone – still bringing the grunge and attitude – but giving them powerful lyrics the centre-stage, the backing lyrics by Hayley Tait also offer a very gorgeous feminine edge to it too.
The whole track is a powerful way to begin the EP – setting the scene and laying a fantastic foundation for the remaining tracks.
“Rush” follows and is again greeted with the instant guitar twangs hooking you in immediately – and the vocals kick in, it’s really giving me Stevie Nicks-esque vibes but with a modern twist – it’s a more melancholic track to begin with but then they really kick it in about 50 seconds in and it elevates even more – taking it to a new level – “Rush” is a perfect title for it – as the lyrics are talking about “what happened to the rush?” but the backing track keeps it fast-paced, keeping you guessing.
There’s a lot more instrumental in this song, but I’m not mad about it – it gives that real elevation towards the end of the track and shows off what the band can do.
“Adore Me?” is up next, and is instantly softer – vocally at least – this actually gave me the feel of Hayley Williams from Paramore – but with that more modern punk twist – you can hear the raw emotion, almost anger as lyrics say “you’d disappear and don’t even say you’re sorry” – it talks of heartbreak and deep feelings but getting over poor treatment – relatable for many – a power anthem for heartbreak, break-ups or just rebuilding yourself after a traumatic event – Dirty Blonde has done this in such a poetic and stunning way without overshadowing the emotion – it’s a beautiful track.
The last track of the EP is “Checkmate” – clever – I like it.
It’s ramped up for the finale and why wouldn’t you? there is another quick hook into the tune, and that softer-spoken vocals but these do elevate as the track goes on – the guitar riffs in this are particularly impressive in this track – it blends in perfectly, still being present, but not over-powering the vocals, which in this kind of genre, I feel is difficult to do well – this is how it should be done.
Ailis Mackay’s vocals are so EASY to listen to – they’ve got this enchanting side to them that makes you want to listen and it could cut through even the harshest of backing tracks – she is a powerhouse and I would expect to see more amazing things from her in the future.
Overall – the EP “Looking For Trouble” is full of powerful attitude, confidence and can pick you up or elevate your mood whatever, it’s a fantastic listen and I hope to hear more from Dirty Blonde in future – because it is a cracking EP.
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