Rainbow Girls have made a big impression everywhere they have played, nowhere more so than Norwich it would seem – there is even a mention of the city in the sleeve credits for the new album. Funded through a pledge campaign my copy of the album dropped through the letterbox last week and I have been enjoying it ever since.
A few of these new songs were aired on last summer’s tour but they have evolved since then. One that I was particularly keen to hear the recording of is live favourite “Naked”, which is the album’s first full song after the Perceptronium intro. It’s an interesting song, bright and colourful with a real 60s garage pop sound, all electric guitar, grungy organ and killer harmonies but slows right down to some delicate guitar and piano half way through, and even features some sax. A really strong opener.
rainbow girls
(c) shashamane
That’s followed by another memorable song from the tour, She-Bop Nation, a tale inspired by an “offer” from a guitarist for the Girls to become his backing singers (“Well you’re a cocky motherfucker, Ain’t never met a guitar player quite like you. You want us to stand and stare while our hands got nothing else to do … Well I can tell you right here and now, that there is nothing more we like less than the arrogance of a man who only sees a singing dress.”) Defiant and strong with lots of wit.
Rainbow Girls
(c) shashamane
The album is full of gems like this, Step Down From the Mountain is slower and has a more familiar sound from the girls and seven minutes of beautiful playing with gorgeous harmonies, accordion and percussion and Ain’t Tryin’ is classic Rainbow Girls, as is Stars which shows off the harmonies in acapella style.
Rainbow Girls
(c) shashamane
It’s a fine album with about an hour’s worth of great musical talent, attitude, and bucketloads of fun. The band have developed and evolved, now a four piece following the amicable departure of Cheyenne to pursue one of her ambitions in Alaska, there is more electric guitar, organ and piano, plenty of diversity and versatility on the album whilst always retaining their identity, uniqueness and that precious, precious spirit and infectious energy they have which I love so much. George Lassos the Moon takes me right back to that incredible gig in the Ten Bells a couple of years ago. “I won’t say my goodbyes ’cause I’ll be seeing you again” … I cannot wait for their return to these shores, Norwich is ready to embrace them once again.
Rainbow Girls
(c) shashamane
Rainbow Girls
(c) shashamane
Rainbow Girls
(c) shashamane
The album can be purchased as a CD or a download from: http://www.inzu.net/user/index.html?user=rainbowgirls&store=item&product_code=4385&cat_no=RGM002LP&format=digital
Their first album, The Sound of Light, is also still available: http://www.inzu.net/user/index.html?user=rainbowgirls&store=item&product_code=4167&cat_no=RGM001LP&format=digital
words and photos (c) richard shashamane 2015
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