by Zane Bird
Refreshing, hard-hitting and intoxicating. And most of all hungry. This sapphic, demonic, indie rock album will have you wanting another plate.
Sir Chloe’s debut album is extremely balanced yet backed by a restrained ferocity. The Vermont band’s first studio album is coming off their 2020 viral EP Party Favors. Songs like “Michelle” and “Animal” gained viral popularity through Tiktok. Sir Chloe has been able to deeply connect to the restless, and at times ravaging yearing experienced by many listeners now. This trend is being seen in a current wave of media, including Yellowjackets, The Last of Us, and book Jawbone, which comprise of deep, dark feminine violences. It also harkens back to previous media waves, like those of the movie Jennifer’s Body. I would add this insatiable album to this list of media that explores metaphysical queer, feminine violence.
The band originally started out from Dana Footes’ thesis concert at Bennington College. And the outfit has toured with alt-j, Portugal. the Man, with plans for a tour with Phoenix, Beck, Japanese Breakfast, Weyes Blood and Jenny Lewis.
I was introduced to Sir Chloe through “Sedona.” Dana Footes delivery of the bleak and fruitful existence through excellently composed lyrics and instrumentation.
The band then takes it to another level with the carnivorous I Am The Dog. The record starts with a furious carnal hunger. “Should I,” “Salivate” and “Center” all show the unbridled violent desire for the speaker to consume the object of their desire. And even the speaker is encouraging their hircine lover to chow down on them too. Gradually, this ravenous speaker realizes their “Obsession” and it’s evil. Yet they can’t stop. The hunger itself consumes them, and they cannot fight back, even as they realized they “Know Better.” The parasitic relationship is finally driven off with “Daddy’s Car,” but absence only makes the heart grow fonder. Or the Hunger stronger. Fully subsumed, the speaker wants to have their “Cake” and eat it too. And furthermore this hunger names itself: “I Am The Dog.” Even as the speaker realizes the pathetic state they are reduced to, it cannot end. The LP ends with the speaker, dire for relief; “I want to feel again.”