By Keith Walsh
Witch Weather is a new punk band from Pennsylvania, historic locale of witches. With Kaitlynn Autumn and Juliann Frances leading the band, there’s going to be some controversy, not only because Witch Weather are unapologetically queer, but even more so because Kaitlynn is trans. Neither of these elements preclude them from creating spellbinding rock and roll. They’ve just released their first album, titled simply Witch Weather, on Friday, October 13.
Sharing vocal duties (though Kaitlynn is most often in front) and with Kaitlynn on guitar and Juliann on bass, they’re joined by Adrian Hain on drums. Pouring their hearts out in personal songs, with influences as diverse as their favorites (Depeche Mode, The Cure, Siouxsie And The Banshees) the gals of Witch Weather bring a variety of sounds to the studio and stage. (My brand new Q and A with Kaitlynn and Juliann is at Punk Rock Beat.)
Across the emotionally-charged ten track set there’s guitar aplenty, from jangly leads to surf rock voicings and harder punk and metal sounds. The first track, “Trying” starts off demonstrating the more confessional side of pop punk, as Kaitlynn shares her experiences trying to make sense of a world that at times seems bereft of kindness and understanding. In my interview Kaitlynn tells me that she’s been making music at her parent’s house since the age 13 – music that holds an important role in her growth as she forges her identity.
“Hazy” brings a new wave beat and jangly guitars, and messages about the need for clarity and honest communication. Then the gals play up the intrigue with the playful riffs of “Witching Hour,” with all of the playful spookiness you’d expect, and a sing along chorus about letting go. “Don’t Need” is a new mix of a single released last summer, with chugging guitars and a spirited lyric that’s even more so with both Kaitlynn and Juliann sharing vocals that are half sang, half screamed.
“The Void Stared Back” describes feelings around the seemingly uncharted path of self-discovery, while “Goth Beach Party” cranks up the fun with swampy guitars, and a chaotic chorus that leans into the hardcore. Props to Adrian Hain, his drums on the album are solid, and on “Goth Beach Party” he delivers some powerhouse tom and snare work. “Blue Menace” evokes The Beatles – not only in title, but the intro guitar and bass riff, and even the vocal melody are sweetly melodic, dripping with 1960s intertextuality.
“Shoegazing” name checks another favorite genre of the band, in a faster tempo tune sweet vocal harmonies that was borrowed by shoe-gazers in the 90s from the 1960s. The guitar sounds are dense and ethereal as shoegaze guitars tend to be. There’s a boss guitar solo starting just before two minutes that turns into an extended jam just before the last chorus comes around.
“All I Need” is the most pop sounding song on the record, borrowing 60s guitar sounds (again!) by way of indie pop. As indie rock tends to do, “All I Need’s” buoyancy serves to conceal the bitterness of the lyric. “Life Is Great” is an rocking tune with a cool harmonizing guitar riff that melts into a grungy jam. When Kaitlynn’s vocals kick in, I realize there’s a Jane’s Addiction vibe to this tune. There’s another awesome guitar solo before the final chorus.
Taking on the world’s prejudices is not an easy task by any means, but it’s one that’s necessary, and made easier with poetry and music. Bridging the space between us starts with listening.
Witch Weather Link Tree
Witch Weather On Instagram
Witch Weather On YouTube
Witch Weather “Unapologetic” At Popular Culture Beat
Witch Weather “Don’t Need” At Punk Rock Beat
Witch Weather Q and A At Punk Rock Beat
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