Review: Doe – First Four

Doe’s First Four LP is easily one of my favorite albums I’ve heard in the past year. This album collects the first four LPs of the London-based, indie-pop punk, three-piece band. Nicola’s sweet and powerful voice fills each song with raw ethos. It’s the type of album that speaks to the insecure gal I am who wants to share the frustration inside, especially my favorite track “Late Bloomer,” where I can’t help but sing along to the familiar lament of “I can’t shut it off / I’m not good enough /I’m hopeless to find/A way out of my mind.” There is a story to every song, from haunting breakups to lamenting in nostalgia and regret, to survival, it’s all absolutely intoxicating. There’s a strong riot grrrl vibe to the album, and though not outwardly as rough as L7 or Bikini Kill, the spirit is in the femme-fronted force of the lyrics that make me want to sing along at the top of my lungs and maybe cry a little, too. Doe is only a doe in terms of time in the music industry—they’re already prolific. Their next album, Avalanche/Basement, is available Feb. 16. –Taylor Hoffman