King Princess’s new album, Girl Violence, is an uneven but welcome return to the artist’s original form. The record leans into the playful snark and offhanded irreverence that defines her persona, a quality that’s a refreshing shift after her previous album. The ambition is clear in its sonic and lyrical contrasts, as the record oscillates between vulnerable sincerity and sarcastic toughness.
When the record is firing on all cylinders, it’s a masterclass in this lyrical and sonic contrast. The album’s ambient title track is a strong opener, with Straus sneering her way through a chaotic soundscape, while “Jaime” builds from a cool detachment to a desperate, shoegaze-infused climax. Other highlights like “Cry Cry Cry” showcase her vibrant, upbeat side, and the crunchy guitar solo on the laid-back “I Feel Pretty” offers a tantalising glimpse of her virtuosic skill.
However, the album struggles with consistency, and a few songs are particularly jarring. Tracks like “Origin Story” and “Say What You Will” feel strangely out of place, disrupting the flow and momentum that the rest of the record works so hard to build. These moments feel more aligned with her older, moodier work, and they stand as a testament to the album’s lack of cohesive vision.
Ultimately, Girl Violence highlights the gap between King Princess’s raw live power and their often-restrained recorded material. While the album has moments of brilliance and is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, it is a mixed bag. It’s an ambitious effort with stellar highlights, but it’s an inconsistent listen that leaves you wanting more.