THEY WERE a duo of sisters - Jennifer and Jessie Clavin, now they are a trio, joined by bassist Micayla Grace. Whether it's the Micayla's addition, or more experience under their collective belt, the LA band are rocking harder than ever.
Bleached's 2013 debut, Ride Your Heart, was an good opener, ranging from nineties style indie rock, to Bo Diddley shuffle, to pop-punk fused workouts. Welcome The Worms does not change the formula hugely, but the confidence levels have grown, producing stronger, more consistent, songwriting, abounding in big choruses and pop hooks, while at the same time (punk ) rocking a bit heavier than before on songs about the emotional and relationship turmoil of twenty-something life.
'Keep On Keepin' On' draws on the spirit of The Runaways, while 'Wednesday Night Melody' doffs the cap to former Runaway Joan Jett, but each song has its own spark, raising it well past being merely homage. The equally energetic 'Trying To Lose Myself Again' matches punk stomp, vocal harmonies, breaking it down for the chorus, before building it all up again.
Eighties radio rock would have loved 'Sour Candy', and it is the kind that could still cross over, while the atmospheric guitar lines of 'I'm All Over The Place', re-assert indie credentials. An anthemic, melodically strong album, tastefully balancing pop smarts and heavy guitar, there are few weak spots.
"I know what I want and I know what I like," declares Jennifer Clavin on 'Trying To Lose Myself Again', and on this album, it sounds like it.
