ALBUM REVIEW: WTFortyfive? – Girlschool
School might be out for the summer, but GIRLSCHOOL are very much in session as they return with their first new music in nearly a decade. The influential NWOBHM outfit are celebrating 45 years of heavyweight riffs and electrifying metal, and what better way to mark the occasion than a brand-new studio album packed full of their trademark swagger, grit and attitude? For those in the know, GIRLSCHOOL require no introduction. Formed in 1978 and cresting the wave of the British metal scene off the back of hard work and catchy rock anthems, they were frequently associated with the likes of MOTÖRHEAD and SAXON but retained an identity all of their own that earned a cult following still prevalent today. While there have been line-up changes and tragedy with the passing of original lead guitarist and singer Kelly Johnson in 2007, the heart and soul of GIRLSCHOOL has been consistent; their live shows over the years have always been powerful and they’ve lost none of their significance. Right, history lesson over.
A subtle bassline explodes into a buzzing, raw charge of riff driven metal for opener It Is What It Is. The addictive quality of the pulsing beat hooks everything together and harks back to the early sound of GIRLSCHOOL and delivers a potent hit of nostalgic NWOBHM, but the musicianship is razor sharp and the catchy chorus keeps the music sounding fresh rather than a rehash of glory days. That is the theme for the whole of WTFortyfive?. GIRLSCHOOL have a long-established sound with a deep-rooted identity, so why mess with it? However, the attack and delivery is such that the tracks sound relevant and intoxicating. The racy strut generated by the powerhouse rhythm section on Cold Dark Heart demands attention and the accumulative sound of the band delivers a headbanger friendly groove from start to finish.
The music on display generates a mischievous attitude and is the aural expression of untamed joy. GIRLSCHOOL are not afraid to inject a bit of cheeky humour into the lyrics on tracks such as Bump In The Night or the punk-tinged Up To No Good. The result is a sound that doesn’t take itself seriously; it walks the right side of fun and entertaining without tripping up into any form of novelty. The musicianship from start to finish across all the tracks is what one would expect from a band that have been working hard for this long. There is never a dull moment, nor a note out of place. The mix allows for the gritty guitars to bite into each riff while the bass and drums pound through the groove. The vocals are clean and sharp and enable all the energy of the chorus sections to be transferred.
Referencing classic rock and metal tracks with more nods than a bobble head figure. Party has the raucous delivery its name would suggest. Hooks galore link together and the chorus lines are straightforward enough that one can be singing along merrily after the first run through. A fine, memorable guitar solo sees the track to its conclusion. It might be seen as a bit of filler considering the calibre of the tracks preceding it, but it’s a lot of fun and that’s the point. The final crescendo of the album is a riotously enjoyable cover of Born To Raise Hell featuring a gaggle of rock royalty including SAXON’s Biff Byford, Phil Campbell of THE BASTARD SONS (and MOTÖRHEAD obviously) and GUNS ‘N’ ROSES bass slinger Duff McKagan. This trio of musicians tie in perfectly with the GIRLSCHOOL delivery and the resulting track is an electrifying heavy metal salute chock full of power and fun – the pedigree of NWBOHM on full display with this rousing anthemic closer.
WTFortyfive? is a leather jacket clad rocker of an album. The nods, subtle and not so subtle, to genres and artists have been blended in a raw and raunchy swagger that is the signature style of GIRLSCHOOL. The energy and raucous fun displayed belies the fact that the band haven’t been as active in recent years with releases. It’s not a comeback album, it’s a defiant statement that GIRLSCHOOL may have been a bit quiet but they’ve definitely not gone away. They’re here to stay and these new tracks will appeal to old and new fans alike. Throw your inhibitions to the wind and join a glorious rock ‘n’ roll party!
Rating: 9/10
WTFortyfive? is set for release on July 28th via Silver Lining Music.
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