Hailing originally from Savannah, GA, female-fronted post-punk outfit Cusses have put a lot of heart into their self-titled release. With vocals in the same vein as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Karen O, singer Angel Bond makes quite the impression on the ‘80s punk-inspired album opener, “The Wait Is Over.” Guitar parts crash down in power chord form with her catty vocals harmonizing alongside the instruments. Upon listening, it becomes obvious that this group takes the absolutely no frills sort of path. Taking on a sound similar to The Runaways, Cusses’ vocalist projects and proclaims over unembellished, repetitive guitar and drums on “Head On A Stick.”
On the fourth number, “Hey You,” things take a darker, more rock-oriented turn as guitar playing takes over, with whining vocal parts dripping with the vibes of feminist rockers. The material on Cusses is surprisingly addictive, mirroring and honoring the girl punk of times past. “Worst Enemy” is an instrumentally attractive cut with the lyric that repeats, “You know you’ll give your love to me or be my worst enemy.” The melody is simple but it sticks, with noisy percussion that bangs enthusiastically along to it. Throughout the song “Custody,” speedy rock ‘n’ roll-influenced guitar playing is the dominant force. With its rough around the edges singing and a chorus of “Hey,” the whole number is very Joan Jett.
“Don’t Give In” is the favorite single off of Cusses, on which the vocalist sings rather than rants, giving this one the most appeal to the masses. Cusses definitely have a good thing going, because no other example of a female-led post-punk revival band comes to mind when you think on the subject. The record does have some really original and inventive moments.
In A Word: Unexpected
