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Skating Polly

Skating Polly has brought back grunge in a way that has only been a faint memory for the Riot Grrls of the 90’s. The Oklahoma duo, consisting of Peyton Bighorse and Kelli Mayo, started playing together at a Halloween party in 2009 and Skating Polly was born.

 

Their most recent release, Fuzz Steilacoom, is fast paced, angst-ridden, rough-around-the-edges punk rock that is so in your face you can’t help but be excited.

 

“Alabama Movies” is the album opener, and it bursts through the door and greets you with a sludgy kiss. The bridge kills it with a Nada Surf like talk singing, “And don’t you give me that look/ You know I don’t like that.”

 

Addressing the incredibly high standards for all females from young to old is “Ugly.” 

The song is derangement at its best. Starting with rumbling drums, segueing into multiple pace changes, followed up by merciless top hat (matched only by Kelli’s screams), and finally ending in heavy sighs. 

 

The lyrics top it all off, “I wear my face just like my skin/ Dried up paint free and authentic.” These girls maybe young but I have never believed a 13 year old girl with braces this much in my life. 

 

“Van Gough” is sung by the dark haired Peyton. The cowbell comes in with background from Kelli and it’s a magical mix. The static and reverb in this song boil till the lyrics rise to the surface, “I don’t know a thing about love before Van Gough/ I don’t know a thing about love before stereo.”

 

They end the album with a surprising piano ballad. “A Little Late” reminds the listener that these chicks know what they are doing.

 

The overall consensus of the album? Kick ass. Skating Polly could easily be your next favorite band.  

Skating Polly
"Ugly"
April 10, 2014

Tricia Callahan | April 28, 2014

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