By Elly Niedzviecki
Think of a punk-inspired (and cooler) Sum-41 but consists only of women. With better lyrics. Those are the vibes the Anti-Queens give off with their 2015 EP ‘Start Running’.
I’ve been told the Anti-Queens are a prominent figure in the Toronto indie music scene, and I can see why. Within the EP and just in general they have produced a roster of lively and consistent songs. While this EP is from 2015, they are still very much active. They have produced a bunch more songs, a full length album (called the anti-queens that you should also check out), and there's a new album planned to come out in the near future as well.
Their songs are mainly all chords with very few riffs; the electric guitar and the drums are the only instruments involved… I think I heard a bass guitar in there somewhere?
While they sing with force, they aren't very screamy which might appeal to some, others maybe not, as it gives them a more garage/classic rock sound. The lyrics are repetitive in a way that is typical to this type of music (looking back at sum-41 here). As well, whatever meaning there is behind a song, it is expressed right there and then. No extra complexity added.
They are very stylistically similar to the Beaches, another Toronto rock band. Simple rhythms, clear lyrics. Rock and Roll through and through. I could see them being super fun to see live, now that everything is back open.
Overall, the Anti-Queens offer an enthusiastic, satisfying EP that certainly matches the end-of-school-year energy.