On their debut LP Chartreuse, Brooklyn power-punk band Sharkmuffin show that they have mastered the craft of heavy, unapologetic, sharp-pop songs. The group’s mainstay members, Tarra Thiessen (guitar/vocals) and Natalie Kirch (bass/vocals), are well-vetted musicians that tear through topics of rivals, first dates, sand secrets that are hidden in plain sight. Joining them on Chartreuse is drum maven Patty Schemel, formerly of Hole and currently of Upset. Superfuzz guitar and subterranean bass buoy heavenly harmonies on the opening, eponymous track “Chartreuse.” An angst-ridden ballad on betrayal bursts into an explosion of emotion as Thiessen belts, “See you circle through, you will never get a clue.” The trio compose a blistering punk energy with sassy vocals on the track “First Date.” A highlycatchy ode to the awkwardness of first dates, Kirch sings, “I want to believe that you weren’t some drunk bro who wanted to fuck me.” A strident sense of empowerment on the track “Night Light” carries the frantic, unabashed beat that recalls the raw energy of Sleater-Kinney or Nirvana.
Blaring, emphatic shriek kick-starts the track “Broken Teeth,” an unapologetic power-punk anthem that is a force to reckon with. Spiky choruses are yanked with an intense ferocity as Thiessen howls, “Sweet concrete, I smash your face on the floor you can’t see anymore.” It’s fiery, bold, punk-fueled pop holds the body and flexibility of really good hair. Schemel’s powerful drumming heightens the energy of each song, while Thiessen’s vocals dish up snarky lyrics that add to the records personality. It’s accessible, energetic and personal—often all at the same time.
Chartreuse is out August 7 via State Capital/Little Dickman Records. You can stream it below.
Tour Dates:
August
07 Brooklyn, NY @ Shea Stadium (Album Release Party)
08 Asbury Park, NJ @ Yacht Club
09 Newark, NJ @ KillKennys
10 New Brunswick, NJ @ TROMAVILLE
11 South Philly, PA @ Trap
12 Cincinnati, OH @ Maudie’s
13 Cleveland, OH @ Happy Dog
14 Indianapolis, IN @ Joyful Noise
16 Minneapolis, MN @ The Triple Rock
17 Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s
18 Omaha, NE @ O’Leavers
19 Lincoln, NE @ The Vega
21 Denver, CO @ Moe’s
22 Kansas City, MO @ The Blind Tiger
26 Williamsburg, VA @ WCWM radio station on the campus of William and Mary
