Nothing but Pink and Energy Drinks
Review by: Emily D. Schmidt, Writer
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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“You’re gonna need another line of coke and maybe a few more monsters to keep up with me you crackhead bitch.”
That’s just one of the iconic lines from Riotgrrrldarko’s album KISS THE RING. Self-described “B!TcH K0RE,” the tracks on this album will make you want to put on a pink mini skirt, strut into the nearest Claire’s, and get an ear piercing that will probably get infected, but you couldn’t care less. Not to mention, Riotgrrrldarko’s tempo variety and vast breadth of electronic effects keep you on your toes, both metaphorically and literally. KISS THE RING is the perfect soundtrack to amp yourself up for anything, from a night out, to getting overstimulated at the grocery store.
Lyrics
First things first: I can’t get over the endless amount of funny and clever lyrics Riotgrrldarko has written in KISS THE RING. I could easily pick some out of each track, but I think “Get Well Soon” has the most. The lyric I mentioned at the beginning is from this song. After it’s said, it’s followed by “Suck it back fast!” and then a hyperspeed, double-time tempo change. Along with that, other delicious lines are “Jealousy is a disease that’s been infecting the fugly community from generation to generation,” and “Think I need some Pepto cuz I’m shittin’ in the worst way. Bitches’ swag abysmal, I outdress them on they birthday.”
Tempo
I also don’t know how this album’s tempo can span from as low as 68 beats per minute on “Looks Could Kill” to an incredible 195 on “So Pretty So Hawt” while still remaining so cohesive and danceable. “Looks Could Kill” opens the album with a slow and fluid rap. A car chase on “Everything Couture“ and an industrial grunge feel on “Live Laugh Love” move you through the middle. Most surprising to me, though, are the final two tracks. Reminiscent of the Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated,” Riotgrrrldarko’s song “wtvr i want” has a pop punk flair that offers an exciting new taste. Then audio from a surreal CGI-enhanced TikTok transitions you into the final track, “So Pretty So Hawt,” a dance jam like Cascada’s “Every Time We Touch,” but if it had a few vodka Redbulls.
Electronic Effects
Lastly, Riotgrrldarko’s an excellent composer and producer. The range of electronic effects she uses on each part of her music - her vocals, the bass, and the embellishments - capture my attention to the point where I can’t focus on anything else. If you’re like me, you won’t be having any conversations over this album. To name one instance, on “wtvr i want,” the vocals on the chorus have a sweet, bubblegum-like effect that fly over the punk guitar lines. Then on “Live Laugh Love,” the bass is the driving melodic instrument, and it reminds me of the noise that happens when you put a card in your bike spokes. It’s a loose, vibrating sound that underscores Riotgrrldarko’s more intense vocals. As for the embellishments, most of her songs on this album have them, but my favorites are in “Passenger Princess.” If you listen closely, you can hear whooshes and zooms and buzzes that carry the ear over into the next line of music. With most of KISS THE RING utilizing all of these elements, the album has an incredibly cohesive sound without feeling repetitive.
Overall, KISS THE RING is an explosion of entertaining lyrics, varying energy and tempo levels, and diverse electronics. Lasting just 15 minutes, the album Riotgrrldarko created is one you can listen to on your commute, or while saying your morning affirmations in the mirror (like she references in “wtvr i want”). The energy and unapologetic confidence these songs emit is contagious and transports the listener back to a time when Paris Hilton was still on TV and Lip Smackers were the most coveted makeup product in stores. No matter your taste in music, I highly recommend giving this album a listen, if not for enjoyment of the B!TcH K0RE genre, than for simply appreciating the craft Riotgrrldarko demonstrates.
