S.Lo on May 23rd, 2019

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Indie punk quartet Girl Friday (Vera Ellen on lead guitar, Libby Hsieh on bass, Sierra Scott on guitar, Virginia Pettis on drums and all on vocals) have signed to Sub Pop offshoot Hardly Art to release their sophomore EP “Fashion Conman,” out June 28.

The feminist foursome practice non-hierarchical, collective songwriting and share vocal duties, all having equal voice in the group. Their latest video, directed by Al Kalyk, for lead single “Decoration/Currency” is a fun homage to ’80s pastel suits, multi-paneled television show openings and ’90s grunge. As does the sunshine in Los Angeles, the song throws light onto the darker aspects of this image-obsessed city. Ellen begins, “You’re a failure if you breathe / Or take your finger from the pulse / In the city of sex and debt / What’s real is what is false / Visions of personal success and shallow conversations / Your name as your currency / Your love is decoration.” It’s an astute commentary on what the younger generation face in an inhospitably competitive and increasingly expensive environment. Is it possible to maintain a valued identity independent of one’s relationship with a partner or is it all second-hand influence by association? As Hsieh and the group follow in the chorus, “See you as you are / Because I want to / See you as you want / Because they need to / See you as you are / Because I want to …” The struggle for genuine self-worth is real.

||| Watch: The video for “Decoration/Currency”

||| Live: Girl Friday make a stop at the Bootleg Theater on July 24 while supporting the Beths on their North American tour. Ariel View also opens. Tickets

||| Previously: Ears Wide Open