The Days of Lore

I scream! They scream! She shreds!

Monday, May 18th, 2009 | musiX

I admit—sometimes a band’s name, or even an album cover will be enough to get me to buy a record. Needless to say I had high expectations for Screaming Females. Well, they … err … she screams, and by she I mean the band’s lone female Marissa Paternoster. She also shreds some wicked solos. She’s only 22. Five-foot-two. Graduated from Rutgers. Enjoys long walks on the beach …

Screaming Females essentially combine every band I love into one compact, three-piece rock machine … oh, I have a thing for power trios, too. “Power” seems to be the key word here. The Females are definitely the epitome of a power trio, and the band’s latest disc is called Power Move, which is a powerful, 10-song blast of gritty punk rawk. And those solos. Paternoster is a freak on the fretboard—punching out riffage and leadage that smack of Iommi and Page … I know, WOW. Not only that, the rhythm section of bassist Mike Rickenbacker and drummer Jarrett Dougherty provides a meaty foundation for Paternoster to do her thing (no rhythm guitar overdubs—only bass and drums behind those solos). They manage to make it catchy, too … I know, WOW again.

The New Jersey trio is touring all summer, and will open for Dinosaur Jr. June 25 at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg. Screaming Females will make it to Portland Aug. 8 at East End as well. I think it’s a safe bet that the band destroys in the live setting. And if they don’t, I’ll pay for your ticket. There you have it. Rock. Guaranteed.

“Skull” - Screaming Females

“Adult Army” - Screaming Females

Tags: Marissa Peternoster, Power Move, Screaming Females

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