What would you get if you put Jack White and Trent Reznor in a room together and asked them to fashion a riot grrrl tune? We don’t know. But chances are it may well end up sounding a bit like Godziller by Brooklyn-based outfit Esther Kohl.
Monster (no pun intended) riffage, filthy industrial percussion, a vibrant punky spirit, and raw, spunky energy converge to make something exciting, frenetic, and impactful.
We’re reminded – by the blend of approachability and ferocity – a little bit of the now sadly non-existent duo Deap Valley and maybe even a little bit of the timeless Celebrity Skin by the legendary grunge pioneers Hole.
There’s also a notable, if somewhat subtle (but still significant) rootsy undertone to proceedings, somewhere underneath the fuzz. Equally, Esther’s pronunciation of a variety of words throughout the song – like “Godzilla”, “either”, and “ether” – hints at a background rooted in somewhere other than Brooklyn. We’re informed by the lady herself that she originates from Western Los Angeles. Our southern-fried suspicions were way off. Either way, it’s fun and adds another layer of individuality to a song already crammed with it.
“Life is sweet like lemon honey / it’s you and me and great big bags of money,” Esther sings towards the end as she paints a romantic – but potentially rather dangerous – Bonnie and Clyde-esque scene. There is also – or has been – more than a touch of Karen O about her vocal delivery and the way that she seems to carry herself. All in all, she’s in very good musical company indeed.
Every time we listen to Godzille,r the riffs hit harder and the percussive throb thumps more thoroughly – like The Kills hopped up on a potent mixture of cocaine and amphetamines. We reckon this one has got some serious legs in it. We suggest you enjoy it before the next one comes along and knocks you for six as well. Consider yourself warned.
Written by Black Rainbow Collective
