More Than Gain Control: Girl Loves Distortion

Anyone can work a gain knob. Hook up to the amp nearest to you and turn it up until the cone flies into the next room. Done. But if you’re looking for real “distortion,” one could suggest you head to your nearest local vinyl emporium (say, like Crooked Beat in Adams Morgan, for example) and get your hands on a hot little record named You Better Run, Your Highness, crafted by Petworth locals, Girl Loves Distortion.

Girl Loves Distortion (whose name sounds like a chance to avoid the generalization that all girls love distortion, and all generalizations are bad, right?) is comprised of Steve Rubin, Chris Goett, and Jenn Thomas. The trio tries to stray from the traditional roles of who actually does what in the band—vocal duties shift as do instrumental duties. And in those shared instruments, you’ll find your guitar, bass, and drum at the core. Sprinkled in are synths, electronics, and an array of keys–piano, organ, and dare I say, a mellotron? Ok, so those are the ingredients, but what’s the end product? That’s tough. It’s like asking, “What shape is the ocean?” The sound is definitely rock laced with noisy electronics, but it’s so aqueous in nature that it’s tough to pigeonhole it.

And upon further review, it would seem like its amorphous nature is the point… though it does have elements of post-punk in a familiar 80’s sort of way. Most of the lead vox are done by either Chris or Steve, but no matter who is lead, Jenn’s voice seems to complement them both. Word is she has a protest punk background, evident in her drumming, but it’s her voice that often comes across as a sweet contrast to the surrounding music (particularly on songs like “Dick And/or Jane”).

You Better Run, Your Highness is the second record from Girl Loves Distortion, released on their own label, Etxe (et-CHAY) Records. And in vinyl form, the record is blue! Not in a sad emo way either, it’s literally the color blue. You Better Run is also a testament to Girl Loves Distortion’s geographic proximity to the District and the capital’s former and current leaders. The band welds a DC activist mindset with topical social issues and end up with songs like the opener, “Weighing.” The third track, “…As I’m Run Down By the Evil Disco Princess” continues the effort, but in the form of, well, an Evil Disco Princess (there’s really no better way to put it). It’s by far, the catchiest of the bunch. While the stage translation is, personally, yet to be seen, Girl Loves Distortion is coming off an invitation from our beloved Fort Reno and will soon take the Black Cat’s main stage with local pop-punk legends, The Slickee Boys on Sept 4th. That can only forecast good things.

From the opening sounds, You Better Run, Your Highness is filled with arresting beats and sonic resonance that begs to be turned louder and louder. It also yearns for a turntable (I think the band would agree). So distortion can be more than just a knob or fuzz out your speakerbox. This distortion is something to be loved, by girls and guys alike. 

Learn more about Girl Loves Distortion at www.girllovesdistortion.com.