When you discover a new band and eventually get obsessed with their music it’s only natural to spread the word. Especially when the band is pure fire – a combination of rebellious energy, punk-rock infused instrumentals, killer vocals, and bold, unfiltered lyrics. In this post, I want to introduce you to this fresh, taboo-defying foursome Sløtface and give you a review of their debut album Try Not To Freak Out.

In case you are squinching your eyes in an attempt to read their name let me make it easier for you – it is pronounced Slutface. Looking into the history of the Norwegian punk team you will notice that originally they were indeed called Slutface as a manifestation of their feminist views (and to get the attention of the public) but due to publicity issues and venues refusing to promote them they had to find a way around the issue and came up with clever idea of Sløtface. In case this doesn’t scream punk-rock, rebel with a cause, and determination with a megaphone in your face then just play one of their colorful and energy infused songs and the problem will be solved.

Listen to Try Not To Freak Out

I discovered Sløtface thanks to my amazing friend’s playlist. The first one I heard was Nancy Drew and that’s when I felt the attraction starting to happen. Clever and witty lyrics which were a mix of subtle references and direct statements, incredibly powerful instrumentals, super catchy chorus, attractive and well-animated video – how can anyone resist?

It didn’t take me much time to decide to explore their only full album in its eternity. What I witnessed was something which I didn’t even realize I need as much as I do – a pop/punk-rock type of energy-boosting tracks mildly reminding of early Sum-41 and Paramore and a band which is defying stereotypes and taboos. If I had to describe Sløtface I would say “anti-bullshit, honest, and direct“. The band is not afraid to say absolutely anything that’s on their mind and society’s standards are none of their concern. And actually this is what Try Not To Freak Out is all about – the things on the mind of Haley Shea and her companions, the things that disturb them, that freaks them out, and they are anxious about. A very simple yet powerful concept which explores lots of interesting topics and everyday situations most of us have been into at one point or another.

I dare to even go as far as saying that Sløtface is the voice which the music world is missing right now. As the band themselves have hinted – if more and more bands and artists start breaking the silence and talking about “disapproved” topics and things which people are afraid or embarrassed to talk about we would see huge progress in the world of music (and human relations for that matter). The good thing is that the music scene is indeed progressing into this direction and artists nowadays are not afraid to speak up about topics which could never be discussed publicly in the past few decades. And Sløtface is leading the movement boldly.

I bet they are even better live!

Exploring Try Not To Freak Out you will not only get inspired and feel slightly more understood in your invisible for the others struggles but you will most likely find at least one line of lyrics in each song which will stick with you for quite some time. From subtle metaphors like “And my feet are sweaty/’Cause I been wearin’ these boots all year “ in Sun Bleached to direct and nostalgia-infused “Falling asleep while we’re still talking/”Pretty in Pink” or “The Ring” on the screen” in Slumber the band has a way to make you remember them. Their views on politics, feminism, and the general situation in modern society are not excluded from their tracks which is another thing to look up to. Their voice is loud and the fact that they are having the time of their lives while raising awareness for things which we tend to overlook is simply admirable.

Try Not To Freak Out is the best start a band like Sløtface could strive for and I am extremely interested in observing their development. Their clear values are something which not enough artists have nowadays and I sincerely hope they keep their promise and continue expressing their opinions on topics which concern them without applying any filters.

Track by Track Commentary

Magazine

An appropriate start of the album Magazine has a classic punk-rock vibe and deals with a quite important topic. Haley disregards the women magazine standards of what a female body should look like and boldly exposes the pathetic and ridiculous stereotypes of the “beauty” industry. A call to feel comfortable in our own bodies the song also features a clever and super catchy reference to Patti Smith – the pre-chorus pays tribute to the 70s symbol of female empowerment in an honorable way.

Galaxies

The second song on the album mildly reminds of the topics in the band’s 2015 single Bad Party (which is damn amazing by the way, check it out). Galaxies is a quite direct confession of Haley‘s thoughts on the average situation in which every 20-something-year-old often finds him/herself. The song explores the sometimes mentally overwhelming socially accepted lifestyle of teenagers and shows the longing for something more than that. A super nostalgic feel and a relatively calm instrumental will make you look back in time and think about your life for a while.

Pitted

A simple yet incredibly attractive and relatable song, Pitted explores a mental state and a certain mood which most teenagers/young adults are very well familiar with. The song depicts the situation at hand almost to perfection and makes you say “That’s exactly how it feels”. It’s jolly sounding and engaging with sublime storytelling and electrifying solo instrumental at the end which will leave you speechless.

Sun Bleached

Emotionally fueled and absolutely honest the song fits the concept of the album to perfection and openly talks about another set of things on Haley‘s mind. A song which is a mix of direct lines and subtle metaphors illustrating the mental state discussed in a very interesting way.

Pools

Once again dealing with the established standards of the “normal and accepted” this time Sløtface express irritation for people butting in other people’s behavior.

Night Guilt

A super catchy and addictive song which is in a way a reflection on the past and an outlook on things that keep Haley (and most of us) awake at night. Dwelling into things that cannot be changed and realizing you don’t deserve to feel down because of something you did wrong or someone told you you did wrong. The seducing bass and vocals remind us that we should overcome past mistakes and not let them drag us down.

Try

An ode to the weirdness and insecurities we all posses and a plead to try to accept ourselves and work on our flaws.

Nancy Drew

The song that got me hooked to the band and still one of my favorite tracks, Nancy Drew is an orgasm for the ears. Witty and empowering lyrics with addictive punk-rock instrumentals and vibe. The song strays away from the typical structure and has many elements which overlap beautifully. And the video is simply eye candy!

Slumber

Another one of my favorites by the band, this one is an almost acoustic type of track with an intimate and touching lyrics and storytelling. It presents a melancholic look in the past and will without a doubt make you take a nostalgic look back at your early friendships.

It’s Coming To A Point

The nineteen seconds fragment is a genius, witty, and sarcastic call-out towards the music industry which will most likely make you giggle before you explode with the final energy-infused track.

Backyard

A proper closing track for the crazy album Backyard starts strong with its very first verse ruthlessly exposing the pathetic hypocrisy of most people about being concerned with the planet. The rest of the song goes back to the child’s perspective (which is quite common for Sløtface) symbolizing the attitude of the band and once again indirectly telling people that everyone should have his/her own band and talk about whatever is on their mind.

I definitely loved the album and I will without a doubt be keeping an eye on the activity of the band. I really think it will only get bigger and better for them from this point on.

I hope you enjoyed my totally unbiased review and you managed to find something of your liking in the tracklist Try Not To Freak Out. In case you did don’t forget to follow the band and support them if you have the chance.

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