Sleater-Kinney. Sonic Youth. Pussy Riot. These were the bands that captured the imaginations of millions worldwide with their politically-charged lyrics, music, and artistry. Another name fit to be on this list are Lambrini Girls, a rising political-punk band from Brighton, that brought the house down at Toronto’s beloved music venue, the Garrison.
Throughout the show, Lambrini Girls, Phoebe (Vocals/Guitar – she/they), Lilly (Bass – she/they), and Sid (Drums – they/them), brought the same politically-abrasive, yet whimsical, energy of their previous shows from their world tour. In true Lambrini Girls’ tradition, the band played all their fan-favourite songs checkered with some political commentary in between and worked the crowd by having them perform adrenaline-fueled activities, most notably tasking the crowd to hoist Phoebe up for some crowd-surfing fun. Still, it would be remised to characterize the show as a repeat of their previous shows.
Shiv and the Carvers, a local roller-skate punk band that opened for Lambrini Girls, truly put the ‘support’ in supporting act. In the middle of Lambrini Girls’ set, when Phoebe busted the three strings of her Fender Mustang, Nicole (Guitar – she/her) from Shiv and the Carvers graciously volunteered her guitar for Phoebe to use for the remainder of the show. They also delivered the same unmatched energy and polemical condemnation throughout their set, cementing them as a household name in the same league as Lambrini Girls. It was clear that Shiv and the Carvers won the crowd – instances such as when they played their staple song ‘Meat Machine’ and new cover of Shania Twain’s ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ undeniably energized the crowd before Lambrini Girls stepped onto the stage.
While the crowd was rambunctious, some equipment broke down, and there was frequent moshing, Lambrini Girls did their all to tame the energy of the room. This was best exemplified when Phoebe stressed the importance of participating moshers to help pick up those that were caught in and knocked down by the frenzy of the mosh pit. This socially conscious gesture, once again, proved Lambrini Girls to be the inclusive and responsible band that fans love them for. Yet, this of course did not detract from the incendiary spirit of the band.
As a self-identified political band, Lambrini Girls (in addition to their political anthems) made their political stripes known. Their performances were punctuated by their admonishments and denouncements of Western responses to the Gaza conflict, lad culture, TERFs (trans-exclusionary radical feminists), and ‘nepo babies’ in the music industry. Without much surprise, the crowd reciprocated with cheers. After all, a good number of people that were in the crowd either were hardcore Lambrini Girls fans, had the same if not similar politics as the band, or a combination of both.
Based on Lambrini Girls’ music and political views, attendees of their show will either love them or hate them. If you’re the former, you’re going to have the time of your lives. If you’re the latter, well, then you presumably wouldn’t be there in the first place. Regardless, it’s safe to say the love for them is strong and burgeoning, as the band has already sold-out several shows this year and expected to perform at over a dozen venues before they wrap up 2024 as one of the openers for IDLES at Alexandra Palace Park in London.
