
Girl Scout
Headache EP
235 Music
Jan 13, 2025 Web Exclusive
Sweden’s Girl Scout have established themselves as musicians par excellence—not that surprising, given their jazz-student roots—but they’ve also mastered the art of crafting soaring, chiming indie anthems that feel vulnerable, and heartbreakingly beautiful. Their latest EP, Headache, captures everything that makes Girl Scout extraordinary. Emma Jansson’s peal-of-bells vocals—calling to mind the spirit of indie icons past—soar alongside Viktor Spasov’s dynamic, intricate guitar work. The band’s sound is polished and precise, yet brims with emotion, as taut and tight as Elon Musk’s improbably smooth Botoxed forehead.
Opening with “Desert Island Movies,” the band takes an acerbic look at pretentiousness, and any initial feelings of ennui are blasted away with an explosive chorus as squalling guitars and Jansson’s vocals drive the track to a powerful crescendo.
“Honey” stands among their best work to date—nostalgic, evocative, and sure to resonate with fans of bands such as Camera Obscura and Alvvays, Jansson’s voice swirls effortlessly around the band’s nimble, yet powerful instrumentation.
The title track, “Headache,” ventures into introspective territory reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers. Melodically, there’s a subtle, almost Lennon-and-McCartney-style undertone that gives it a timeless quality and demonstrates the band’s unerring ability to structure a song perfectly.
“I Just Needed You to Know” cranks up the energy, delivering infectious ’90s alt-rock vibes. Replete with a soaring chorus and jaw-dropping guitar work, it’s the EP’s heaviest “wig-out” moment, channeling both angst and catharsis.
Closing with the tear-streaked regret of “I’m So Sorry,” the band deliver a bittersweet finale and a fitting conclusion to a hugely impressive EP, full of literate indie pop that is technically brilliant and profoundly heartfelt. (www.girlscouttheband.com)
Author rating: 8/10
Average reader rating: 8/10
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