There’s something about two gals playing honest, stripped down rock. In the case of Edinburgh’s off-kilter duo Honeyblood, that something has been expanded into a second, twelve track perpetual angst-jam. On Babes Never Die, Honeyblood delivers another batch of hearty, 90’s reminiscent tracks, that remind us of how much the duo just “gets us.”
This time around, it’s clear that Honeyblood—consisting of Stina Tweeddale (vocals, guitar) and Cat Myers (drums)—haven’t succumbed to the sophomore slump. If anything, it seems that the somewhat daunting task of the second album pushed the ladies farther than 2014’s self-titled debut. On Babes Never Die, motifs of mortality creep through, hinting at their fearless attitude towards not only their music, but also life.
“Sea Hearts” plays like a demo from Sleater Kinney’s The Woods, pushing raw vocals and head-banging drums. “We’ll break hearts that get in our way,” Tweeddale sings on the track, in a very blunt, independent manner—a refreshing and needed change from pop hits of the past year that have suggested molding to the love you’re yearning for. “Love Is A Disease” has a more laid back, Pixies filter on it, Myers’ drums creating a feel of the 60s.
Honeyblood’s knack for mood shines through on this album. “Walking At Midnight” could serve the soundtrack to a vampire flick, while the title track feels like an outtake from Heathers. “Hey, Stellar” exudes melancholy, inducing images of a sunset drive along the coast. Their ability to set a scene is clear on this album, and Honeyblood paints a vivid picture from track one to track twelve.
It’s hard not to box Honeyblood into the “feminist music” square. Their tracks resonate self-empowerment, leaving the rude boys behind, and sticking to your values. Although many female musicians would rather be viewed solely for their music, the gals of Honeyblood express the frequent woes of womankind—romantic frustrations, irritating interactions. For now, it’s safe to say that Honeyblood isn’t exactly discarding their chance to speak up for the babes.
With lyrics that essentially show us Tweeddale’s deepest thoughts, Honeyblood hides nothing from us on this collection of girl-powered rock anthems. The duo is right—babes never die, and neither will the necessity of their empowering tracks.
Babes Never Die is available now.
