The latest taste of new music from Beach Bunny comes in the form of an eclectic group of tunes called Blame Game. Their first full-length record, Honeymoon, found its way onto several “Best of 2020” lists, and it seemed as if the young four-piece indie rock band from Chicago, Illinois was steadily gaining confidence knowing that they would be releasing music with more eyes clearly focused on them. Beach Bunny were poised for this moment, as they released some of their most steadfast songs to date on this EP.
On the opener, “Good Girls (Don’t Get Used),” lead vocalist Lili Trifilio commands the track with some sneering barbs towards an ex-lover that she clearly has little time for anymore. She cuts through his bullshit clearly on the bridge as she sings, “Who’s the girl in your story? / Hard to believe that you really care at all if / When you’re bored or you’re horny / I wanna hang out but you’re busy hunting down a booty call / Hate it how you ignore me / Like for a weekend, but then pretend nothing happened, is that so? / ‘Cause I asked to come over / But supposedly a girl that’s just your friend was in your home.” Trifilio’s approach to her songwriting has greatly improved as she showcases a newfound confidence in her words and vocal prowess.
”Love Sick” follows the solid opening single with well-crafted indie rock, rounded out by guitarist Matt Henkels, bassist Anthony Vaccaro, and some underrated drumming by Jon Alvarado, who all bring their unique approach to their musicianship for a pleasing blend of ear candy. Trifilio sings about her anxieties on the opening verse of, “Normally I start to panic / Get too close I cut apart the strings / Typically, I break bad habits / But with you it happened naturally / Told myself that love is violent / Feelings fade and bitterness proceeds / When you’re closer I don’t mind it / Secretly I want you close to me.” Her openness with her audience to share some of her fears and difficulties in her life come across incredibly earnest and heartfelt. The band has clearly got her back on this song as they come through with backing melodies, and creative starts and stops in the music to make each note feel like its there to serve a purpose.
The third track in the EP, “Nice Guys,” takes dead aim at guys who pretend to be only interested in the physical part of a relationship. Trifilio sings on the chorus with brilliant poise, “I’m sick of nice guys / I want someone who actually wears hearts inside their eyes / And isn’t only interested in what’s between my thighs / You win me like a trophy not a consolation prize.” The entire EP takes a closer look at what she is looking for in a relationship, but she does a stellar job of describing the red flags she has experienced in her own life.
The title track rounds out the brief EP that leaves the listener wanting more from this great band. Trifilio delivers a great message for young girls who look up to her as she rattles off a list of the dangers of comparing their bodies to what they see in magazines and TV of what they’re supposed to look like. She sings, “Posters and TV tell me my body / Is for others’ satisfaction / Get a sexual reaction / We’re taught we’re only meant to act holy / Cover up your shoulders / Or you might tempt somebody,” and its clear that Trifilio has little time for the stereotypical reactions to body images expected for girls her age. She makes a great personal message that it’s okay to be yourself, and too not get sucked into the expectations placed on them by others who clearly have little respect or interest in their own well being. With these songs being released so soon into a new year, one can only hope we don’t have to wait too much longer for more tunes from this great band.