.
DOWNGIRL
release raw and ruthless
Debut EP
‘MANIC’
Debut EP ‘Manic’ Out September 22
.
.
Previous Support for DOWNGIRL
‘Boys’ added to Apple Music’s New Music Daily and The New Rock
“If you need a song that you can release your inner demon to, DOWNGIRL can sort you out” 4.5 / 5 (Ash McGregor, Triple J) [About ‘Boys’]
“Large growly sound and badass rock n roll vocals to follow. Very riot grrrl, love it!” 4 / 5 (Claire Mooney, Triple J) [About ‘2006’]
“Definitely the best I’ve heard from DOWNGIRL. This one feels vital and on fire.” 4 / 5 (Dave Ruby Howe, Triple J) [About ‘2006’]
“It’s rough around the edges, full of thick, in-your-face instrumentals, and lyrically scathing” (Hysteria Mag) [About ‘2006’]
“Full of punchy bass lines and roaring in-your-face guitars, 2006 is true Australian punk.” (Kill Your Stereo) [About ‘2006’]
‘Manic’ – RAGE Feature Video
“Downgirl tore it up like a wrecking machine made of the Runaways and Bikini Kill” (Brian Giffin – Loud Mag)
.
.
The fierce femme-punk quartet, DOWNGIRL, are ready to release their long-awaited debut EP, ‘Manic’, which will be available on vinyl, commencing Friday, September 22.
With their uncompromising punk ethos and dominant sound, DOWNGIRL has an extraordinary knack for embedding potent social commentary into their music. Their debut EP ‘Manic’ is no exception, comprising eight tracks, including previously released singles ‘2006’, ‘Boys’ and the title track ‘Manic’. This EP is the culmination of the band’s raw emotions, a turbulent mental journey, and their relentless dedication to their craft.
In the words of Lou Harbidge, “The title, Manic, was lifted from our single of the same name. We chose it as it encapsulates our state of being when the band was in its infancy. This EP is a diary, charting our progress from our beginnings in the bedroom when we were physically separated to now, being in each other’s bloody pockets!”
‘Manic’ is a sonic riot, an unapologetic blend of sounds from riot grrrls of the ’90s and contemporary nu-punk. It’s a blood-boiling release of those inner demons with their fierce, badass rock and roll that defines DOWNGIRL.
.
‘Manic’ EP – Out September 22
.
The EP kicks off with ‘Fiend’, a head-spinning, grunge-infused number that hits all the marks DOWNGIRL is known for—chugging raucous guitar lines, a heap of attitude from Alex Neville and Kristen Adams on the mic, anthemic choruses, and an uncompromising sense of confidence. ‘Fiend’ delves into the intoxicating allure of a tumultuous relationship, where love is overshadowed by problematic behaviours and questionable decisions. It captures the complex emotions and conflicts that arise when one becomes entangled in a love that is as destructive as it is compelling.
The title track, ‘Manic’, intensifies the EP’s emotional crescendo with powerful riffs and intense drumming that mirror the escalating emotional intensity of the lyrics. It culminates in a climax, fervently seeking relief through a euphoric, noise-filled chorus featuring the recurring refrain, ‘Manic’. The track hits hard and fast, leaving a lingering sweet yet spicy sensation as each band member pours their heart into it.
.
.
‘Body’ follows, opening with a disconcerting guitar riff and Kristen Adams taking lead with an earworming vocal melody and snarling attitude. The bass and drums join in, building up to a cathartic chorus, followed by a bass-heavy second verse that showcases Adams’ melodic vocal prowess. The track closes with a cutting guitar solo, making ‘Body’ a compelling narrative of alcohol abuse and its harrowing consequences. It paints a vivid picture of denial, dependence, guilt, and anger, portraying the mental and physical pain of addiction’s rapid descent.
Moving onto DOWNGIRL’s debut single ‘Beauty Queen’, the track is characterized by a wall of noise and frenzied, feedbacking guitars. It then transitions into the instrumental ‘Democracy Manifest’, capturing the nervous and excitable energy of facing overwhelming unease while maintaining a confident facade.
.
.
‘2006’, a politically charged track, roars forth with punchy vocals, rough-and-tough instrumentation, and a sound that encapsulates true Australian punk. It punches hard and unflinchingly exposes the ongoing mistreatment of First Nations people. ‘Boys’, their lead single, showcases the band’s fierce punk edge with ominous basslines, rolling drums, and overdriven off-beat guitar stabs. Frontwoman Alexandra Neville’s powerful, growling vocals and biting lyrics shine a spotlight on controversial societal norms.
Finally, the EP concludes with ‘Malibu Stacey’, a short, fast, and furious pure thrash punk track that embodies a snarling attitude.
DOWNGIRL’s ‘Manic’ EP is a ruthless, punk manifesto that fearlessly confronts societal issues and personal struggles. It captures the essence of a band relentlessly forging their path through the turbulent landscape of contemporary punk, all while maintaining their ferocious and unyielding spirit.
Join DOWNGIRL as they take their unrelenting punk fury on the road with a series of tour dates throughout September and Octob
‘Manic’ is out on all streaming services and available on vinyl from Friday, September 22.
.
.
DOWNGIRL
Upcoming Shows
September 23 – The Basement, Canberra
w/ Glitoris
October 1 – Off The Rails Festival, Marrickville |
w/ Amyl and the Sniffers, Mark of Cain, Private Function +
October 7 – Melbourne Pier Festival, Melbourne
w/ Hope D +
November 17 – Red Rattler (EP Launch), Sydney
w/ Social Strangers, Creeping Jenny & The Causeway
November 24 – Hamilton Station Launch (EP Launch), Newcastle
w/ Where’s Jimmy & Goon Gremlins
.
.
Follow DOWNGIRL
Website
Facebook – Insta: @downgirlband – Youtube – Trip
Spotify – Soundcloud – Bandcam
.
.
AMNPLIFY – DB
My nickname is “The Amnplifier”. Why? Because around here my focus is on being a conduit for providing greater outcomes that people come here for. My day to day “work” is living in the moment, and I love helping others concentrate on finding their connection to themselves through their experiences.
Why start a music environment? The truth is I love music, I love writing, and I love life. I work with musicians every day, and I feel certain that I will be until they put me in the ground. I have been managing people in businesses of some sort for over thirty five years so along the way I have developed some “wisdom” from my regular and constant “observations”.
Amnplify your experience. That is what we want you to do here, and if you want to let me know why you do, or don’t, shoot me a message on Facebook.
Hope you enjoy yourself here and find something that hits you somewhere.
