When I popped on Shiragirl’s official Facebook page, the first thing that I saw was a meme of what looked like an aerosol can of insect repellent. Upon further examination of the meme, the can was labeled “Resist Oppression Repellant”, which protects against sexists, homophobes, racists, bigots, and bugs. It was clear where Shiragirl stood based upon this meme. In her music, she takes a somewhat quirky, sarcastic approach towards a call to arms for female empowerment in her EP “Brooklyn Goes To Hollywood”, which was released in late June.
Out of Hollywood, California, Shiragirl proclaims her love for early new wave/pop groups such as The Go-Go’s, Le Tigre, and Debbie Gibson and adds a total punk twist ala early Rancid and Transplants to create some of the most quirky yet dynamic music out there. With her being empowered, Shiragirl doesn’t expect to wait around for someone to discover her, instead she carves her own path and brings her message to the masses. This has earned her stage time on the Vans Warped Tour, an MTV Warpie Award, and a submission in the famed time capsule at Cleveland’s Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame. Through this empowerment mentality, Shiragirl is bound and determined to shatter through the glass ceiling on the way to the top.
“Brooklyn Goes Hollywood” starts off with the quirky and dynamic “Get ‘Em Hot”, which judging by the video seems to be poking fun at “Mickey” by Toni Basil and “Let’s Get Physical” by Olivia Newton-John with the leotards and acting all jazzercise in the video. However, after examining this song, the lyrical content is a mix of that female empowerment message along with providing that anthem that she is going to take no prisoners and that she is here to stay. I love the quirkiness of the new wave vibe in the synths coupled with the old-school punk rock attitude of Shiragirl.
“Summers Comin” talks about letting loose, while telling the dangers of smooth talkers taking advantage of vulnerable women while giving the middle finger to guys that act like total players. The song tells a story with the lesson that you are better off alone than with someone that will end up hurting you in the end. The song can also be used as a social commentary on the perils of the rape culture that seems to exist in America.
At first, I wasn’t sure how to take this album, I appreciated the quirkiness and the arrangements as it had that old school punk meets 80s New Wave vibe to it, however, the deeper I got into the stories and the messages, “Brooklyn Goes Hollywood” by Shiragirl is an album that I can certainly get behind. Shiragirl has a way of telling stories in the song to get her social platform across while not sounding forced and obnoxious about it. The songs are fun, yet they drive home a point. Come get quirky with me as Madness To Creation gives this album a solid 8 out of 10 stars. Check out the track listing below.
- Get ‘Em Hot
- Summers Comin’
- Idk U
- Blazey
- Girls Just Wanna Get Sum
- I Must Be Dreamin’
Fans can find Shiragirl at the following locations:
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I agree, this is a solid album! She has something to say! Thank you for checking out the review and please tell a friend about us!
Summers Comin is actually about a girl who wants a guy that’s already taken and the conflict they both feel. Its about a scandalous summer love affair. This song is not intended to portray women as victims.