Solo projects are always an interesting proposition in that depending on how self-indulgent an artist is, you could either get something that shows off a unique musical skill set or, conversely, you could get a whole song that screams “look at me” throughout.
So it is with hope for the former that I listen to the new track from Half Girlfriend, I Got What I Asked For.
Starting with a chunky guitar riff and muffled voice-over, the track soon settles into groove, reducing the tempo with a solid and chunky guitar riff before introducing the vocals with a sultry “fuck” that leads into a tale about a job interview and the stresses associated with selling yourself to a prospective employer.
It maintains a steady pace that sits nicely with the half-spoken vocal delivery that continues the tale.
Half Girlfriend are definitely paying individual attention to the instruments without showing off extracurricular and unnecessary chops, which benefits the track.
The pace drops a touch more into almost spoken word territory but maintains momentum due to the sustained guitar riff that gives the track balance and purpose before the vocals become the sole platform momentarily, repeating “I got what I asked for” with increasing urgency that returns to the earlier pattern – just with more starch.
It’s got fleeting moments of grunge mixed with rock laced with punk, and blends the opposing styles into a neatly wound package that oozes angst and rebellion.
