What Happens When “The Donnas” Bitchin’? Girl Band Doesn’t Get Better Than This

From my limited music exposure, I would say that it is a novelty to see an all-female English rock band out there playing all the instruments of the songs they compose. I often think that female voice is a natural choice for hard rock music because of the higher pitch that floats above the guitar and drum tracks. Guys often have to scream through their lungs to attain the same effect.

And because it is a novelty to see girl rockers, I am usually less critical on the technicality but rather amazed at the fact that they make it in the International scene. My favourite girl rockers? In the following categories …

• My favourite Girl Rock Vocalist – Courtney Love of Hole because of her character. Hole is such a great band. Too bad it is disbanded on 2002 after 3 years of music career leaving us 3 great albums and the feeling of wanting more.
• My favourite Girl Rock Guitarist – Not just any guitarist but one that can play the guitar solo. From the pure raw energy and wild perspective, the winner goes to Brody Armstrong of The Distillers. When The Distillers first emerged from the rock scene back in 2000, it was compared to Hole. Again, too bad it is disbanded and Brody formed Spinnerette in 2007. I am eager to find out what comes out of the new line up. Meanwhile, from the all-rounded perspective of a balance of rhythm and melodic guitar leads, Allison Robertson of The Donnas has a special place in my heart. It’s a tie I guess.
• My favourite Girl Rock Bassist – I have been thinking really hard who are the distinguished female bassists in the International scene. There just ain’t many. Somehow the image of Ginger Sling stuck onto my mind after seeing her performed in Live Earth concert as the new bassist of The Smashing Pumpkins.
• My favourite Girl Rock Drummer – That has to be Meg White of The White Stripes. Some doubts her ability to play drum. But think about this, The White Stripes can’t be that famous without Meg White, right?
• My favourite Girl Band – I first started listening to The Donnas back in 2004 with their album “Gold Medal”. All the members of the band are born in the year of 1979 and they have been best friends playing music together since the eighth grade. That explains the chemistry of the band.

After leaving their major record label Atlantic Records and formed their own, The Donnas has managed to release an album that the fans have been waiting for. The entire album has this arena old school rock vibe that works wonder. There is no one single slow song and all aim to make you want to get out of your seat and dance. The melody is infectious and the music is tight and interestingly varied. I think Brett Anderson sings better in this album compares to the previous one – more emotion involved and more loosen up. Torry Castellano’s drum track is relentlessly energized, though not as fast pace as other rock bands. There are moments when Maya Ford’s bass line shines. However I must say, it is rather subdued in “Bitchin'”, same goes to the guitar solo that I would have expected from Allison Robertson. In this album, Allison Robertson’s emphasis I think is more onto the ambient of the overall sound (as she is the only guitarist in the band). And from that angle, the guitar riffs are memorable. Check out the video below for “Don’t Wait Up For Me”.