The power of individualist punk punches you in the gut when listening to Brighton duo, Lambrini Girls. Phoebe Lunny (vocals and guitar) and Lilly Macieira-Bosgelmez (bass) bring their A-game, using their platform to incite change through their music with both responsible activism and unhinged fun. With utterly memorable lyrics that beam with an unruly punk attitude, they amplify their rage with thunderous drums and bulbous basslines. Their live shows are an uproaring frenzy, a space that allows people to lose themselves and become feral in the mayhem of the crowd. Formed in 2019, the duo have paved their way into the music scene by relentlessly being themselves, ultimately leading them to perform at Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds Festival and supporting punk legends Amyl and the Sniffers and IDLES.
Their first EP ‘You’re Welcome’ is a punchy record that holds up a mirror to the appalling parts of society, clawing at it piece by piece. It interlaces clever lyricism, satire and fury with technically melodic instrumentals and abrasive, loud sounds. Creative cohesion is mixed with purposeful punk, fuzzy bass and droning guitars adding a searing layer of condemnation through their words. Their new album ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’ which was released at the end of January this year, for which the two-piece marked the news of the release with their single ‘Big Dick Energy’ – a track filled with distorted bass and dirty grunge tones, challenging toxic masculinity. They write, “Man comes in many forms, from world leaders to tech CEOs and humble soft boys. But what unites them? Society has celebrated their supposed massive figurative and literal dicks, which they constantly flaunt. Why? Toxic masculinity.”
Lambrini Girls show true allyship and use their platform, rage and lyrical wit to bring deeper conversations to light. With topics ranging from workplace harassment, male entitlement to sexuality and trans rights, they stress the importance of dismantling lad culture and toxic masculinity. They tackle abuse culture within the industry and shun the harmfulness of our political landscape, standing up to the far-right with confidence in an attempt to deconstruct negative cultural trends. Their unadulterated lyrical themes are a testament to punk music, seizing every opportunity to speak their minds and use their artistry to systematically bulldoze the current political and societal landscape. They are women who are inciting authentic change through their sound and aren’t afraid of standing up to those who are willfully ignorant. We spoke with Lambrini Girls and delved into their radically talented approach to current issues…
Your upcoming album is looking to be a huge political statement and we understand your music is very driven by activism. Is this what led you to originally form the band?
“Not originally. We tend to write about what makes us angry, it’s very observant. Considering the current social landscape, it’s hard not to get political when late-stage capitalism has set the entire world on fire.”
How are you feeling about your upcoming tour?
“Excited and hope that we don’t die.”
Can you tell us a bit about your new album?
“It’s a banger back-to-back all killer, no filler.”
Your live performances are energetically feral. What do you enjoy most about your shows?
Phoebe: “Getting fucking up and covering mayonnaise all over my naked body.”
Lilly: “The feral part is probably the most fun. It’s exhausting, but when you have some spare energy to expend, it’s a great feeling to get on stage knowing you can act like a complete fucking idiot and not care. It’s a safe space for looking stupid. Aside from that, connecting with an audience that shares your values is extremely fulfilling.”
How did you come up with your band name?
“We love girls and we love Lambrini.”
What is the importance of feminist punk to you?
“Considering how male-dominated punk scenes and spaces are, it’s very important to use art to open discourse around issues. I guess it’s the same as asking, what is the importance of feminism to you? A movement set out to dismantle patriarchal belief systems and achieve gender equality can takemany different mediums whether that be protesting, educating, or art. Ultimately, it’s a community with others who share the same values as you, feel the same hardships and uphold and look out for each other.”
Your lyrics are a mix of realist attitude and wit. What is your songwriting process?
“Blast toilet wine and listen to Enya in a castle.”
What does feminist rage and queer liberation mean to you?
“I think it invites us to see the world through new perspectives. Anything that challenges traditional ideas about gender and sexuality, and reshapesconventional academic approaches, is what incites positive change.”
You have supported artists like Amyl and the Sniffers and IDLES (which is incredible!) Who else would you like to work with?
“Rod Stewart.”
Where would you like to see your band in the next few years? How else would you like to use your platform to express your views?
“In the next few years, we will start dressing like Dalston lesbians who look like they wrestle alligators. Then everyone will listen.”
How do you view the importance of queerness in the music industry?
“Queerness in the industry has reshaped culture by bringing voices to the forefront that wouldn’t usually be there. Challenging norms is what fosters creative innovation. Queer artists push boundaries in genre and style that others don’t.”
Lambrini Girls are a real gem in the punk industry, providing a voice to the voiceless, using blistering punk that empowers you. Feeling like you are seen and understood through the art of infectious music that makes you lose control is a notion that can get us through our hardest days. We journey with them as they continue to speak their minds and create a space where minorities are recognised and have the freedom to be wholeheartedly themselves.
Written by Raabia Haq // Photography by Derek Perlman & Nicole Osrin
GEM Magazine 