Teenage Joans - The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest (Album Review)
Teenage Joans - The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest
Released: October 13, 2023
Line-Up:
Cahli Blakers | Guitarist/Vocalist
Tahlia Borg | Drummer/Vocalist
Online
Adelaide-based indie rockers Teenage Joans have been turning heads throughout the past few years as they have set the bar high with their unique soft rock sounds and captivating live performances, earning them commercial radio play and multiple festival appearances, including the infamous UNIFY Gathering. Their distinctive sound resonates strongly with soft rock fans all throughout the country, however, can this debut album continue to push them on their path of an upward trajectory? Let's assess.
Opening track 'Hospital Bed' begins with harrowing keys, with the same note being played repetitively. Auto-tuned vocals are introduced before Blakers and Borg find their rhythm. The track is short and sweet but manages to set the tone for what is to come. Next track 'Honey (And Other Sweet Things) continues where the previous track left off, with an ebb and flow of instrumentals creating a pop-punk sound that is reminiscent of Sum 41 or Blink-182 this melodic banger is bound to keep fans jumping up and down at performances in the future. Towards the outro, we are re-introduced the the same auto-tuned vocals as the tempo builds up to to a crescendoing to a heavy climax where both Blakers and Borg play at a faster tempo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjBs29dije0
Released in May of this year, 'Superglue' introduces an ever-so-catchy riff from Blakers that makes head-bopping impossible. With lyrics such as "Telling me that I'm your glue / But my hands aren't worth holding on to" that express feelings of inadequacy in relationships, this track is far more insightful than its light, soft-hearted riffs lead on. Demanding you sing along from the top of your lungs 'Yoke', 'Candy Apple' and 'You're Not The President' offer sentiments of heartache underneath the boppy and lively instrumental exterior. The duo seemingly live by the phrase 'Less is more' when it comes to songwriting. Their simplistic yet clever riffs offer space for their intelligent lyricism which can often offer a usually darker story tale.
Slowing the tempo down for a somber moment, 'Sweet Things Rot' offers a calmness where slow guitar riffs and auto-tuned instrumentals shine brightly, creating space for reflection and deep thought for the listener, similarly so with acoustic offering 'Moneymoneymoney'. Picking up the pace with an electric guitar riff that makes you want to jump out of your seat, 'Ruby Doomsday' breathes fresh air into this album with its introspective lyrics. Simplicity is everything with this album, which speaks true to this song. Neither Borg nor Blakers over-exert themselves and it works tremendously.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUSOrvqW8XI
'Tennis Skirt' brings us back to the faster indie rock pace that this class act have become known for, the back and forth between the two musicians brings this piece to life, with a guitar solo adding that cherry on top. Continuing with the tempo from the previous track, '5 Things I Can Taste' displays Blakers' guitar skills at full capacity as she manages to shred her way from beginning to end while encapsulating the album's continued theme of heartbreak and sorrow.
The Adelaide-based duo have exceeded my expectations with this release. Their ability to delve into personal topics while keeping the tracks light and fun adds depths of contrast to the music as they draw influence from a variety of different sources. Despite being a two person act and although it wouldn't be totally necessary, I would have loved to see more dynamics in one or two songs.
Teenage Joans - The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest tracklisting:
1. Hospital Bed
2. Honey (And Other Sweet Things)
3. Superglue
4. Yoke
5. Candy Apple
6. You're Not The President
7. Sweet Things Rot
8. Ruby Doomsday
9. The Dentist Hates Me
10. Moneymoneymoney
11. Tennis Skirt
12. 5 Things I Can Taste
13. Kaleidoscopes
Rating: 8.5/10
The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest is out Friday via Domestic La La. Pre-save here
Review by Adam Rice
https://youtu.be/1-Q46v2bO_Y?si=GRN3jDR7XWA7dnFc
