Teen Song Reviews: TAS

We tasked a group of Aussie teens to rifle through their record bins and pick a track they’ve been spinning lately. Meet the next gen of Tasmanian music reviewers and the killer songs soundtracking their lives from Issue #1 of Teen Spirit

Bikini Kill - ‘Rebel Girl’

P**** Whipped (1993)
BIKINI KILL RECORDS

Famously punk, Bikini Kill’s hit single ‘Rebel Girl’ first penetrated the ‘90s music scene with a sharp, violent tongue. Featured in multiple releases across the years following its original 1993 debut alongside albums Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah, and P**** Whipped, the track quickly became a revolutionary anthem for the riot grrrl movement and a staple to punk feminism. The band’s lyrical integrity and fierce instrumental performance form an infectious rhythm that embeds into your brain, forcing you to sing along. ‘Rebel Girl’ screams defiance, with raw vocals and a strong, steady drum paving the way for the intensity to follow as singer-songwriter Kathleen Hanna opens the final verse. “That girl thinks she’s the queen of the neighbourhood / I got news for you / SHE IS!”

Sounds like: A queer-coded taste of rebellion.

John Frusciante - ‘Song to Sing When I’m Lonely’

Shadows Collide with People (2004)
WARNER RECORDS

Listening to Frusciante’s work, it is clear that his musical DNA pulses through the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and this album particularly has clear links to the band. When the song begins, we hear a simple electrical rhythm leading into a soft guitar melody, pairing beautifully with Frusciante’s backing vocals. The intro feels reminiscent of MGMT’s Little Dark Age but Frusciante quickly pivots with a strong rhythmic line pulling you into the chorus. Lyrically, we can hear a sense of despair or discomfort as Frusciante sings, “Out of place in my own time / Drowning thinking that I’m dry.” The song transitions this sadness into an uplifting and triumphant feeling that fits well with the larger tones of the song. This beautiful arrangement, paired with its strong rhythm and unique elements, make it the perfect song to dance to and sing when you’re alone.

Sounds like: Summer road trips with the radio blasting.

Clementine C (17, TAS)

READ MORE: Teen Song Reviews: Western Australia