Exploring the outlandish stereotypes associated with Goth Culture and Witchcraft, Leeds-based, 5-piece girrrl band, Venus Grrrls are back with a bang in their latest fist-pumping alt-rock single, ‘Goth Girl’, inspired by the single ‘Rebel Girl‘ by Bikini Kill.

Introduced by grumbling, low-pitch electronic guitars, distorted synth lines and a Gabby’s expert rock drumming, ‘Goth Girl’ catches the ear from the very first note with its dynamic production and wholly unique grunge/rock soundscape. The lyrics are detailed, rebellious and well constructed, narrating a story with a clear beginning, middle and end.

As the tension between the vocals and drums continue to build towards the chorus, the song erupts into a crescendo of pounding drums, electronic guitar chords and flashing, 80s-esque synths. With a mission statement geared towards the promotion, participation, acknowledgement and respect for women in the music industry, the underlying feminist message of ‘Goth Girl’ is not to go amiss.

Here, lead singer GK explains the meaning behind ‘Goth Girl’:

“‘Goth Girl’ is most definitely a story, there is a running order to it. It begins painting a picture of two friends hanging out, who eventually realise their struggles for their choice of clothes and makeup. It’s no surprise to those that know us that it was Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill that glued all of VENUS GRRRLS together when we first met. My favourite thing about that song was the utmost appreciation it had for women, the idea of empowering each other and holding each other up high. I was thinking about this when writing the lyrics to ‘Goth Girl’, I wanted there to be this figure in it that I could bond with. The idea of borrowing each other’s shoes and listening to music together felt comforting, but I quickly began to think about the strange and unique stereotypes people associate with alt/goth people. There are still struggles and strange interpretations of counter-culture, e.g. Witches/Goths ‘hexing’ people, but currently Goth has come more into fashion than it used to be, which is fine. Albeit, I imagine it to be difficult for those who were treated unfairly in the past to accept this, just because something was less socially acceptable at the time. The rest of the song went from there, considering all of these different ideas and feelings. It just got us thinking about how fickle society is, and how it’s always ready to point the finger at something new. ‘Goth Girl’ clings to all of these notions, and most definitely is an ode to our younger selves.’

Listen to Venus Grrrls – ‘Goth Girl’

 

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