Mannequin Pussy
I Got Heaven
Epitaph Records [2024]
Album Overview: I Got Heaven is Mannequin Pussy’s latest album, released on Epitaph Records. It marks a departure from their previous works, delving into themes of desire, loneliness, and navigating an unforgiving world. The album expands their indie radio-friendly side with stylish maturity while maintaining a hardcore edge that early fans expect. This record represents the band’s biggest risk to date, exploring the complexities of young love, obsession, and societal expectations. I Got Heaven features a fantastic flow with an intensity that never wanes and offers incredibly high replay value. It is poised to compete for a high-ranking spot on TFN’s blazing Top 50 this year.
Musical Style: The album blends searing punk with inviting pop elements, creating a dynamic and engaging sound. From walloping guitar riffs to enveloping synths and brushed percussion, the music showcases versatility and depth. The band still embraces their early punk roots, with three hardcore tracks on its back half that could have easily been distractions but instead highlight the band’s core while blossoming into new directions.
Evolution of Sound: I Got Heaven represents a significant evolution in Mannequin Pussy’s sound. The band incorporates more collaborative songwriting processes and explores a wider range of musical styles and influences, demonstrating a willingness to experiment with new sounds while staying true to their punk roots.
Artists with Similar Fire: Mannequin Pussy’s sound shares similarities with bands like Alvvays, Turnstile, Amyl and the Sniffers, Hole, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They all incorporate elements of punk, indie rock, and pop into their music, creating energetic and emotive soundscapes.
Pivotal Tracks: “Nothing Like” is a flowing, mind-altering track that captures the essence of young love and obsession, spotlighting singer and guitarist Marisa Dabice’s great sounding voice. The title track serves as the album opener, introducing listeners to the electric guitar riffs and defiant vocals of Mannequin Pussy in 2024. “I Don’t Know You” features shoegaze moments that elevate the band’s collaborative creativity to another level. “OK? OK! OK? OK!” stands out as the first hardcore track, transporting listeners back to the beginning of this Philadelphia band with sheer force and power in its vocals and riffs, masterfully contributing to the overall absorption of the album.
Lyrical Strength: “I’ve got a loud bark, deep bite,” finds Dabice repeatedly singing on “Loud Bark,” exploding with confidence as it asserts, “know me but watch your step around me!” The lyrics on the entire record are poignant and thought-provoking, addressing fundamental human questions about existence, desire, and societal norms. Marisa Dabice’s vocals morph from soothing to powerful, delivering lyrics that challenge listeners to reconsider their perspectives on love, spirituality, and personal freedom.
MANNEQUIN PUSSY REVIEW HISTORY
Perfect EP (2021) / Patience (2019) / Gypsy Pervert (2014)
MANNEQUIN PUSSY LINKS
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Epitaph Records
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