Written by Daniel Wright

On the surface, Album by the all male band, Girls, is one of the many melancholy, low fidelity gems of 2009. But catch a glimpse of Christopher Owens’s (singer/songwriter) back story and demons start to emerge.
Owens grew up in the evangelist Christian cult, Children of God (COG), until he escaped at age 16. COG was started in California in the 1960s and grew notoriety for sex abuse scandals involving children. One of the most recent and disturbing scandals was the 2005 murder-suicide committed by Ricky Rodriguez (son of COG leader).
It’s not of public record, whether Owens was sexually abused as a child, but his lyrics and music videos suggest a curiosity surrounding nudity and sexuality (see “hardcore version” of the “Lust For Life” music video). In the opening line of the opening track, Owens states, “I wish I had a boyfriend…” it’s possible he is “coming out” but it seems more likely he’s expressing his lack of a male figure growing up and continuing the androgynous joke which started with the band’s name. (In an interview by Faqmagazine, Owens confirms the latter). Perhaps Owens can rest now, after finding Chet “JR” White, the other (lesser profile) half of Girls who does the band’s lo-fi production.
Call Album “shoegaze,” “jangly,” “Californian” or “surf-rock.” Or make all the Elvis Costello/Beach Boys/Buddy Holly comparisons you like. At the end of the day, Album sounds just as unique as it did when it was released last September. In the first 22/44 minutes, “Lust For Life,” “Laura,” “Ghost Mouth” and “Hellhole Ratrace,” floor you with emotional distress. While the second act picks you up and leaves you longing for “Summertime,” “Lauren-Marie” and “Morning Light.” For the average person, your troubles pale in comparison, making Album the perfect cheer-up record for the midterm blues.
As toe-tapping as some of the tracks are, the lyrics and vocals are what really make Album an impressive debut. It’s a lesson in minimalist writing and on no other track are the lyrics as clear and powerful than in “Hellhole Ratrace.” The song starts out with a pseudo-reprise to “Ghost Mouth,” but quickly bursts into an unforgettable chorus. Although never tedious, it’s easy to get lost in the 7 minutes of repetition over ever-dreamier guitars.
It’s a disturbing question, “would Girls be famous without Owens’ cult history?” It’s not a stretch of the imagination to think, “No.” Girls are not the first artists to get a publicity boost from COG. Jeremy Spencer, former member of Fleetwood Mac, is also one of the oldest members of COG and gave Owens his first guitar (according to Matador Records). The Phoenixes (River, Joaquin, Summer and Rain), Rose McGowan and Susan Cagle were all COG members. Regardless, even records as good as Album don’t stand the test of time without some undeniable talent backing them.

Notable Tracks: “Hellhole Ratrace”, “Lust For Life”, “Laura”, “Ghost Mouth”

Listeners may also enjoy: The Beach Boys – Pet Sound, The Pains of Being Pure – S/T

Next Sound Check: Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me