January saw the release of Cursing The Sea, the debut album from Sarah, Jessie, Caoimhe, Lauren and Paula; otherwise known as September Girls. Opening song Cursing The Sea is an epitome of the band’s style; dreamy, breezy vocals, thumping drums and the ever-present twang of a guitar. Another Love Song continues the theme but this time the vocal harmonies resonate in the distance and are layered with a 60s flower-power vibe. Heartbeats ups the tempo of the album whilst still maintaining the care-free soul of their sound. It is followed by Green Eyes, a tune which threatens to lull you into a hazy daze, visions of palm tress and sunlit beaches saturating your consciousness. Secret Lovers sees the girls at their most intimate, a tale of love hidden from the world “under covers”.
Cursing The Sea is an album of understated noise-pop, an album happy to leave the angst and heartbreak of the world for other people to contemplate, resulting in a record of soothing, dreamy, absorbing music. Sure there’s nothing really that new here, no new ground being broken, no limits being pushed, but not all music needs to do that and September Girls have clearly found a sound that they feel reflects the opinions, hopes, and dreams of the band as a collective. It is a much needed antidote to the “Oh my God that guy is so cute” and the “I’m sexy, notice me, notice me” theme that seems to proliferate the all female pop music narrative of today. September Girls are five laid-back girls with guitars who are cool with that, and you should be too.
Cursing The Sea is out now on Fortuna Pop.