Dream Nails translate their raucous live show into an album charged with empowerment

The energetic quartet, armed with a reputation for putting on riotous live shows that are equal parts wholesome crowd sing-a-long and punk mayhem, are known for their feminist ethos and politics - but that’s something that transcends space and time.

Long-time fans of the DIY punk band will relish finally being able to get their ears on crowd favourites “Corporate Realness” and “Text Me Back (Chirpse Degree Burns)”, the latter an extremely charming - and relatable - ode to the crises of dating and heartbreak in the era of ghosting. Charm, mixed with feverish yelling courtesy of lead vocalist Janey Starling, trademark Dream Nails. The grooving, bass-heavy songs evoke an obviously Bikini Kill essence not just in terms of songwriting, but sound, and though the punk quartet thrive best in the setting of a dingy pub somewhere in South London, their first full-length LP does well to evoke the feel of a sweaty Dream Nails show.

Songs such as “Vagina Police” might not be unique in addressing plights against the patriarchy, but Dream Nails radiate their most genuine feelings of female empowerment on tracks such as “DIY” and “Kiss My Fist”. “DIY” should be enough to encourage any young girl to start a punk band, if not more: “I can start a punk band / … I can make myself cum”, while “Kiss My Fist” is a touching track dedicated to two women who were victims of a homophobic attack by five men in London in June 2019. Dream Nails are their best when their lyrics feel like an arm around your shoulder.