Deap Vally - Femejism

Within a few minutes - at the very latest when Lindsey Troy’s gnarly vocals hit in second track ‘Julian’ - it’s clear Deap Vally’s ‘Femejism’ is at least a bazillion times bolder than already-pretty-bloody-bold debut ‘Sistrionix’. Should you be of a certain 51% of the world’s population, by the unparalleled call-to-arms ‘Smile More’, there’s no way you won’t be punching the air mid-scream, then during penultimate number ‘Turn It Off’, cradling yourself in the foetal position.

Lindsey, and drumming partner-in-crime Julie Edwards have their metaphorical balls out further than the eye can see on a record that’s so smash-full of gritty, dirty blues riffs it’s as if they’ve ransacked all the dive bars in their native LA. ‘Gonnawanna’ is an ultimate statement of intent, ‘Critic’ a wry sideways glance, ‘Teenage Queen’ a veritable sludgefest of the best kind.

Deap Vally were always turned to eleven, ‘Femejism’ has them reaching for twelve. A fucking fantastic record.