Kim Theory
Bitch Scene
The next wave of teenage riot grrrrl rebellion has arrived, youthfully defiant but smiling ear to ear with infectious pop-punk glee. Bitch Scene is an ecstatic four-song debut EP that serves as an introduction to the giddy sounds and coming-of-age turmoil of Kim Theory, an energetic all-girl group whose moniker celebrates iconic indie-rock Kims, as in Shattuck, Gordon, and Deal.
Maybe Sleater-Kinney should be added to the list of influences, as Audrey Cymone’s wailing vocals on a punched-up and angular “Child Star Teenybopper” touch a nerve, like the agitated fire alarms pulled by Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein. A burst of screaming exuberance cuts through a hook-filled frenzy of Lula Seifert’s guitar overdrive, and it feels like a food fight is about to break out in the cafeteria, as Kim Theory drives away, tires smoking. Retreating to a more reflective and brooding “Growing Pains,” which grows increasingly loud and urgent, Kim Theory finds itself in the throes of adolescent angst, mixed up, unsettled, and unsatisfied, yearning for answers that may or may not come in time.
Avoiding drama is the whole point of an accelerating and excitable “He Said She Said,” hyperactive and undeniably catchy, much like The White Stripes’ breakout hit “Fell in Love with a Girl.” More dynamic, shifting from low-gear trudging to full-throttle intensity in the blink of an eye, “Wish You Were” goes through its ups and downs, as is its prerogative. Like high school, Bitch Scene goes by dizzyingly fast, as Kim Theory takes AP courses with everyone from Bikini Kill to The Donnas and The Muffs, while forging their own raucous identity.
Unabashedly honest and tightly wound, at least as a unit, the quartet – glued together by the tenacious rhythm section of drummer Zoey Su and bassist Lucy Fraser – exudes passion, seems carefree and cheerful, and boils with attitude, all while displaying a keen melodic edge. And they play like their hair is on fire. It’s been said they held a backyard party for their record release bash, in keeping with their down-to-earth, all-ages vibe. The next one is sure to be a rager.
