DREAM NAILS - DREAM NAILS
Barbara shares her thoughts on the debut Dream Nails release, Dream Nails, and lets you know whether she thinks you should listen or not.
Women and non-binary people to the front, because London based punks Dream Nails are making a statement that demands to be heard with the release of their self-titled debut album. Since their conception in 2015, this all-girl punk quartet has deservedly gained quite the reputation for their songs of empowerment coming from a queer feminist point of view, paired with their immersive involvement in many political causes. With successful releases including their 2017 EP Dare to Care, and more recent singles,’ Dream Nails have earned a name for themselves in the London DIY scene, leaving much anticipation for the release of their first full-length album. Dream Nails is a collection of works that throw middle fingers up to the patriarchy while maintaining an emphasis on the political origins of DIY punk with every song.
The first full length track, ‘Jillian’ introduces listeners to the upbeat atmosphere that is maintained throughout the rest of the album. The song delves into the topic of realizing you are queer and the strength to push past the fear. As explained by singer Janey Starling, “It’s a personal-power anthem about finding the strength to come out; that’s what the line ‘I feel the fear leaving my body’ is all about.”
Next comes the song ‘Corporate Realness,’ with the clip ‘Do You Want to Go to Work (Skit)’ acting as a prelude. Fighting against the unfair treatment and expectations forced upon the working class by oppressive corporations, Dream Nails scream “you are not your job, work is not your life, you are not what you must do in order to survive.” The instrumentals continue to build and listeners a sense of power as the song progresses.
‘Women and Non Binary People to The Front (Skit)’ leads into the successful single ‘Vagina Police,’ and makes a powerful statement. With leading lyrics “your body is not your own you have no autonomy, your body is not your own, you are public property,” this song aims to infuriate and bring to light the very real issue of governments and societal bodies attempting to control those that have vaginas and what they can do with them.
‘DIY’ pays homage to the punk community Dream Nails emerged from. With yet another track of empowerment, this song encourages listeners that you should “do it yourself,” because you are smart and strong enough to do anything you set your mind to. Guitarist Anya Pearson put a lot of energy into this song and makes it a fun experience. Adding another dimension to the album, ‘People Are Like Cities’ explores the want to avoid baggage and darker parts of a person and only focus on the fun, lighthearted moments, as selfish as it may be. The accompanying instrumentals complement the tone of the lyrics well and Starling’s vocals really have a chance to shine on this track.
Leaving the album on a powerful note, final track ‘Kiss My Fist’ begins with a recording of a news report about a lesbian couple that were assaulted in a homophobic attack on a London bus. Fueled with anger and resentment, Dream Nails address the issue of straight men fetishizing queer and lesbian women for pleasure on a screen but being full of hatred seeing them in everyday life. This song takes the power away from the man and hands it right back to the queer community, a message of strength being sent to those that have ever been through the same. With moments of softer vocals with underlying bass from bassist Mimi Jasson contrasting moments of angry vocals and rushing guitars, this track is sure to be a powerhouse at live shows.
Dream Nails know exactly who they are, riot grrrls with voices unapologetically screaming for change. This album continues the activism that this group of four have become known for, adding more voices to the conversations that so many others graze over. With exciting vocals and unfiltered talent from the band, Dream Nails leaves listeners feeling empowered and encourages a new generation of punks to take a stand for what they believe in, just as all punk should.
Barbara Kutz
★★★★☆