VENUS GRRRLS - 'Violet State of Mind'
Leeds-based all girl rock band, VENUS GRRRLS are back with Violet State of Mind, their turbulent new single, and first release since their 2021 EP Potions.
The newest track kicks off with a striking energy and a punchy beat, with its opening bass line and heavy guitar riff, Violet State of Mind “is the anthem to your hot girl summer”, as described by the band.
Venus Grrrls, composed of GK (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Jess Ayres (lead guitar), Hannah Barraclough (bass), Grace Stubbings (Synth) and Gabby Cooke (drums) have a deep-rooted stance in advocating for respect of women in the music industry, with the name drawing similarities to the early 1990s Riot Grrrl era in which sexism within the Punk scene was questioned. The word “girl” was a term of empowerment, drawing on a form of childhood when we have not yet questioned ourselves based on gender.
The band explained, “We want this song to be on your get ready playlists and allow you to reach into those inner deities that we know you are.” With the dynamic vocal performances and thumping drums, the group pulls off a nostalgic 90s sound similar to Elastica, Slant 6, or Bikini Kill, with a modern voice.
A striking start suddenly halts to a quieter reprieve, making way for the opening line, “Was gonna call it quits on the night, until you walked in my line of sight”, summing up the course of a night out, the initial feelings of attraction, and their eventual turn into, “See you tryna’ catch my eye”, and “Wanna know your name, do you feel the same?”. For GK, the night comes to a close as she bellows, “Our egos are losing, the bar is closing.” and crescendos on “I want you to say, I wish you would say, I want you to say, Hey, I want you to say.” With the track ending on a hazey crash.
The five-piece powerhouse are not done yet, with appearances at both Truck Festival (July 22-24) with a main stage slot, and Kendal Calling (July 28-31), they have been described as, “Leeds queens of riot.” and “Fast, furious, and fantastic”, by This Feeling. After this single drop, and the upcoming festival appearances, they could be in for three more “F’s” - a famous female future.
Words by Jemma Levine
