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NOSTALGIA, MY MUSE: Women - Public Strain

Using paranoia and darkness to anchor their sound, Women’s sophomore album, Public Strain, elevates all expectations; not only of themselves, but also of musical experience in general. While the band suffered a tragic end, they are responsible for propelling the post-punk movement forward. They’ve given us music to believe in and a sound that is unparalleled.

Welcoming us with a hazy, fuzzy, atmospheric drone, “Can’t You See” epitomizes everything Women developed into in the years between their two albums. The chord progressions undergone by the vocals and guitar alike are impeccable. Once you take note of the lyrical content, the track is almost paralyzing. In the second stanza, Patrick Flegel sings, “Not sure that I’ve seen this face before / Can’t you see / Can’t you see all / The beaten chill of fright / Take fault and rust / Told us the wrong way out / hop to the town.” In the first forty seconds alone, Women offer us their chilling insight on life, which darkens as the album progresses.

Public Strain is a winter album; the melodies heard throughout are both chilling and eerie. The four musicians in Women all grew up in Calgary, writing the majority of their songs in temperatures far below fifty degrees, in the dark after daylight savings. The screeching of the guitars in “Drag Open” is deranged, but exciting. The first three quarters of the song is like a whirlpool of anguish with the bass, guitar, and vocals all working together while simultaneously tearing each other apart.

Consistency is an undeniable characteristic of the album, with the last ten minutes being some of the strongest material the band has released. “Venice Lockjaw” pulls us back to this eerie feeling that is so prevalent. The slow tempo of the track really adds to this affect as twangy guitar chords sporadically sound in the background. It serves as the perfect precursor to the ultimate, and inspiring, six-minute closer “Eyesore.” Once you hear it, you will feel it.

Inevitably, the exhaustion of touring caused tension within the group, leading to their demise. There was still hope they would someday return with a new album, but in February of 2012, the devastating and sudden loss of guitarist Christopher Reimer ended their legacy. This being said, their music is still as prevalent as ever.

Bassist Matt Flegel and drummer Mike Wallace have carried many characteristics of Women’s sound over to their side project, Viet Cong, who released their debut this year. In the two years the band was releasing albums, between 2008 and 2010, they implemented more influence than numerous bands around today.

-Katie Cheyne

#Nostalgia My Muse #Women #Public Strain #Can't You See #Drag Open #Venice Lockjaw #Eyesore