B-Side Guys

Ladies and gentlemen, put on your oven mitts and prepare to be singed – Portland’s premiere witch-rock duo Grimiss is about to drop the hottest, heaviest, and most deliciously subversive debut album of the year. Released on April 26th, “Hot Lunch” is a searing platter of righteous rage, a sonic smorgasbord that’s equal parts occult rock, psychedelic freakout, and feminist manifesto. And trust us, you’re gonna want to dig in.

From the moment opener “Howl” kicks off with its blistering riffs and Tristina Bumgarner’s powerhouse vocals, it’s clear that Grimiss isn’t here to play nice. This is music as weaponized catharsis, a ferocious exorcism of the patriarchal demons that haunt our society. Tracks like “Burn” and “Rumpelstiltskin” are anthems of defiance, with Bumgarner spitting venom at the “little men” who try to control and exploit women’s bodies and minds. “Take back the fairy tales you spin into gold,” she snarls on the latter, “The shit you spit and spin into gold.” It’s a searing indictment of the way women’s stories and experiences are so often co-opted and twisted by male power structures.

But “Hot Lunch” isn’t just a one-note blast of fury – it’s a nuanced and deeply felt exploration of the complexities of femininity in all its forms. On tracks like “Jacqueline” and “Reflection,” Bumgarner delves into the more introspective aspects of the female experience, grappling with questions of identity, desire, and self-worth. These are songs that recognize the pain and trauma that so many women carry with them, but also celebrate the strength and resilience that allows them to keep pushing forward.

Musically, “Hot Lunch” is a tour de force of heavy, psychedelic rock that draws from a dizzying array of influences. There are shades of classic occult rock bands like Coven and Black Widow, as well as more contemporary torch-bearers like Jess and the Ancient Ones and Blood Ceremony. But Grimiss also incorporates elements of punk, metal, and even electronic music into their sound, creating a heady brew that’s as unpredictable as it is intoxicating. Guitarist Ryan Tippmann is a master of creating immersive, atmospheric soundscapes that are as haunting as they are heavy, while the band’s trusty drum machine provides a relentless, driving pulse that keeps the energy level at a fever pitch throughout.

But perhaps what’s most impressive about “Hot Lunch” is the way it manages to balance its weighty themes with a sense of pure, unadulterated fun. For all its righteous anger and feminist fire, this is an album that never forgets the sheer joy of rock and roll. Tracks like “Savior” and “Broken” are propulsive, head-banging anthems that will have you throwing up devil horns and screaming along at the top of your lungs. It’s a reminder that even in the face of oppression and injustice, there’s still room for celebration and catharsis. On the other hand, “Ghost Tears” showcases the band’s ability to create a softer, more minimalistic atmosphere, adding depth and variety to the album’s overall sound.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Grimiss album without a healthy dose of occult imagery and witchy vibes, and “Hot Lunch” delivers on that front in spades. From the eerie, atmospheric interludes that punctuate the album to the otherworldly cover art, this is a record that revels in the dark, mystical energy that has always been a part of rock and roll’s DNA. But rather than feeling gimmicky or cartoonish, these elements only serve to deepen the album’s sense of power and purpose. This is music as ritual, a spellbinding invocation of the divine feminine in all its fearsome glory.

Ultimately, “Hot Lunch” is more than just a killer debut album – it’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt marginalized, oppressed, or silenced by the dominant power structures of our society. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope, still strength, and still the power to fight back against the forces that seek to hold us down. And if that means burning down a few patriarchal institutions along the way, well, so be it.

So go ahead and take a big, heaping bite out of “Hot Lunch.” It might just be the most nourishing, empowering meal you’ve had in a long, long time. Grimiss has cooked up a feast for the ages, and trust us – you’re going to want to savor every last morsel.