Song review: Austin act Lola Tried released single off new EP, Hot Shot Barbie
“And just like that…” Austin’s rock four-piece, Lola Tried released their latest single on September 8 for the new EP, Feast which dropped four days later. As this is the fourth EP release for the long-running local act, “Hot Shot Barbie” is clear in its effort to build upon their power pop, garage, and indie rock background and make giant leaps toward revamping and further evolving their sound with the upcoming record.
“Hot Shot Barbie” opens with a slow and sludgy instrumental ramp-up, leading into Ray Garza’s crunchy guitar with aptly placed feedback noise; a menacing approach that perfectly braces us for Lauren Burton’s aggressive vocals. While not directly attributed as a specific musical influence, the storytelling and vocal delivery achieves something similar to conceptual pop architect, underscores (April Harper Grey). Where Grey expounds, “girls like us are rotten to the core,” Burton asserts, “hot shot barbie here we go/ Don’t want to play, don’t want to go home.”
Bold, emphatic, and relentless is the general approach of drummer Austin Norman, as bassist Gianni Sarimento, Garza, and Burton barrel toward an epic and chaotic climax. With the track duration clocking in at less than three minutes, it is no mystery that the band is seeking to experiment with the punk rock formula of going fast and hard.
Lola Tried performed at Empire Control Room on Friday, September 12 as they shared their latest EP release with local acts Subpar Snatch and Quiet Company, who celebrated the vinyl release of their recording, Your Husband, The Ghost / On Corners & Shapes.
Follow Lola Tried on Instagram to learn more about upcoming shows and releases. As always, whenever possible, purchase music and merchandise from artists via Bandcamp or their own website to put the majority of your purchase dollars in their hands.
Featured photo courtesy of Lola Tried
