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IN REVIEW
Girlschool
WTFortyfive?
Reviewer - David Weddle
British hard rockers Girlschool are back with their 14th studio album celebrating 45 years together the aptly titled “WTFortyfive?” is due for release on 28th of July via Silver Lining Music. The album is crammed full of rock goodness and a few of the band’s friends as well.
There is not really any point in trying to critique music created by a band who have been writing and performing for the best part of half a century. Girlschool know exactly what they are doing, and you had better be damn sure that they’re going to rock, and rock they most certainly do. With that being said here is what I thought of their brand new album “WTFortyfive?”.
I won’t delve into the complexities of every track, but there are glimpses of great things to come from the very first bass line of the opening track “It Is What It Is” which leads into glorious riffery and hard-hitting drums, letting you know that this is going to be a no holds barred hard rock album. Even with the crushing, bass laden “Cold Dark Heart” and catchy lyrics of “Bump in the Night”, Girlschool are still just warming up. “Barmy Army” – is an ode to their loyal fanbase who have supported the band over the years. The heartwarming sentiment aside, the song is a battle cry that is sure to please Girlschool fans both new and old. I can see this being a true crowd pleaser at their live shows.
The band have also acknowledged the events of the last few years in “Invisible Killer” which is a reference to the recent worldwide coronavirus epidemic. The song is a solid effort with a chorus that will have you hooked. Moving on to more upbeat subject matter, “Are You Ready?” is a rock anthem if ever there was one, co-written with and featuring Alcatrazz’s Joe Stump the track is the lead single from the album and is full of attitude and is heavy as you like.
There is not really any point in trying to critique music created by a band who have been writing and performing for the best part of half a century. Girlschool know exactly what they are doing, and you had better be damn sure that they’re going to rock, and rock they most certainly do. With that being said here is what I thought of their brand new album “WTFortyfive?”.
I won’t delve into the complexities of every track, but there are glimpses of great things to come from the very first bass line of the opening track “It Is What It Is” which leads into glorious riffery and hard-hitting drums, letting you know that this is going to be a no holds barred hard rock album. Even with the crushing, bass laden “Cold Dark Heart” and catchy lyrics of “Bump in the Night”, Girlschool are still just warming up. “Barmy Army” – is an ode to their loyal fanbase who have supported the band over the years. The heartwarming sentiment aside, the song is a battle cry that is sure to please Girlschool fans both new and old. I can see this being a true crowd pleaser at their live shows.
The band have also acknowledged the events of the last few years in “Invisible Killer” which is a reference to the recent worldwide coronavirus epidemic. The song is a solid effort with a chorus that will have you hooked. Moving on to more upbeat subject matter, “Are You Ready?” is a rock anthem if ever there was one, co-written with and featuring Alcatrazz’s Joe Stump the track is the lead single from the album and is full of attitude and is heavy as you like.
You may think that you have heard everything there is to hear by now in the world of rock but Girlschool have on last treat in store for your lucky lugs to listen to. A track that not only features rock royalty in the form of Girlschool themselves but also Biff Byford of the might Saxon, Motörhead's Phil Campbell and Guns ‘n’ Roses’ very own Duff McKagan all share the limelight as they collaborated together to perform a stunning version of Motörhead's “Born To Raise Hell”, an incredible rock masterpiece and a sound that will be sure to make you sit up and listen. Heck if you are still sitting by this stage in the album, you aren’t listening to it properly.
It is testament to the band’s immeasurable talent that they are able to write songs that feel as fresh and edgy in 2023 and played with as much energy as their debut album “Demolition” back in 1980. Are you ready to rock and roll? Well, if so then WTForty Five is the album for you.
It is testament to the band’s immeasurable talent that they are able to write songs that feel as fresh and edgy in 2023 and played with as much energy as their debut album “Demolition” back in 1980. Are you ready to rock and roll? Well, if so then WTForty Five is the album for you.
Girlschool are:
Kim McAuliffe - guitar/vocals
Denise Dufort - drums
Jackie Chambers - guitar/backing vocals
Tracey Lamb - bass
Kim McAuliffe - guitar/vocals
Denise Dufort - drums
Jackie Chambers - guitar/backing vocals
Tracey Lamb - bass