Screaming Females release albums at a speedy rate, and their sixth is delivered with that same sense of brisk urgency. Singer/guitarist Marissa Paternoster anchors the New Jersey grunge-punk three-piece, her vocals dramatic, furrowed-browed and on the hollering side, with a subtle vibrato used most effectively on third song Wishing Well.
Her guitar riffs are loud, thick and sometimes ricochet up the fretboard to dazzling effect. Spin named her the 77th-greatest guitarist of all time, but her standout talent is actually as a melody-maker (and lyricist). She keeps the verses relatively plain, but then the big, fierce, hugely memorable choruses sweep in and seal the deal.
The band’s straightforward punk leanings give way to more angular, spacious, softer songwriting – and some welcome metal nods in the title track – partway through the 10-track album, but Paternoster’s vocals never back off. That’s where the power, hooks and originality come from, but they’re a little relentless.
Top track: Ripe
Screaming Females play the Silver Dollar on April 10.
