As the title suggests, Mean Girls’ You Can Sit With Us is a petition for empathy, inclusivity, and basic human decency, all dressed up in tempestuous and technically astute punk-rock.
What stands out to me about this EP, compared to most other punk records I’ve reviewed over the years, is that it’s more than just three chords and a finger to the establishment (although there is plenty of that).
As the vocals tear through lyrics about the blood-lust of right-wing politicians (“Killing Time”), serial killers (“Just a Dream”), zombies (“Brains!”), and patriarchal ideas of emotional suppression (“Like a Girl”) there’s subtlety and nuance that makes them seem less like condemnations of humanity’s flaws and more like manifestos of how we, as a collective, can improve.
Said vocals are backed by an irrevocable wave of fury on the musical front. Surprisingly intricate drum patterns, a bass that unexpectedly bridges melody and rhythm, and guitars unafraid of exploring all come together to propel the lyrics in a way that gives the impression that the musicians are all passionately in-line with the EP’s message.
You Can Sit With Us is punk done right. Every note, beat, and word is undeniably united under the banner and in the belief that humanity can and should do better on every level.
Feature pic supplied by artist
