Girls: Father, Son, Holy Ghost

Girls
Father, Son, Holy Ghost
True Panther Sounds [2011]










Fire Note Says: Album of the year from Girls? Quite possibly!

Album Review:
Releasing one great record is every bands dream. Following it up with a stellar EP is icing on the cake. Making a sophomore record that surpasses an already great debut is almost impossible but that is exactly what has happened with San Francisco's Girls on their just released modern classic Father, Son, Holy Ghost. The album from beginning to end feels and sounds like it has been your collection for years. The eleven songs here honor mega artists like Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Fleetwood Mac, Beach Boys and Paul Simon with its smooth classic rock vibe, while holding its progressive own in 2011 and staying completely modern. This is a tricky balance that starts with the soft vocals of lead singer Christopher Owens, followed by the flexible song arrangements and completely supported by the strong songwriting. Right from the galloping drums that kick off "Honey Bunny", the track bounces and revs up with a retro scale, while the hum along harmonies make it catch the ear. The quick exuberant chord changes in "Alex" make it stand out, while "Saying I Love You" strolls with a swagger that lets Owens pour it out vocally, while the guitar work glues the song together. The little things on Father, Son, Holy Ghost are really what sets it apart, like on single "Vomit" where a musical calmness can be stirred into a sinister frenzy that can then convert into a soaring anthem makes it an album standout. Girls then can produce a poppy song like "Magic", that is once again different but noticeable. Time also does not have any effect on Girls execution as the almost eight minute "Forgiveness" is just as engaging as the just over 3 minute "Love Like A River". Girls might have just released the album of the year as Father, Son, Holy Ghost plays like a champion already and most certainly will sound great for some time, as its timeless appeal is just another reason the record is so perfect!

Key Tracks: "Vomit", "Love Like A River", "Die"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Teenage Fanclub
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
Jonathan Richman

Girls: Broken Dreams Club [EP] [Fire Note Review 11/19/10]
Girls: Album [Fire Note Review 9/29/09]

Girls Website
Girls Facebook
True Panther Sounds

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony