To simply describe Death Pill as a Ukrainian ‘Riot Grrrl’ band would be underselling them. This powerhouse trio fully destroys the limits of genre with their new release SOLOGAMY. Exploring nearly everything from thrash, riot grrrl, doo-wop, grunge, and indie. Mariana Navrotska (guitar and lead vocals), Anastasiia Khomenko, (drums and backing vocals) and Natalya Syeryakova (bass and backing vocals) showcase the sheer breadth of their musical talents. SOLOGAMY is about the importance of putting yourself first, and being dedicated to your own well-being. It’s an anthem and a celebration all at once.
“Every song on the album is a story that happened to us. Maybe it’ll happen to you too. But every story deserves to become a song.”
The fact that Death Pill was able to complete this album was a feat in itself. With their self-titled debut being released in February 2023, a year to the day that Russia invaded Ukraine, things have not been easy. Communications were scattered as the onslaught continued. It was hard to really build things with the band scattered and regular gigs being a challenge. They persevered and it shows in this album. On top of discussing personal and mental health several songs reference the still looming cloud of the war, most overtly in the final four songs ‘Hey Man’, ‘Monsters (In My Brain), ‘Outro’, and ‘Pro Yarika’.
‘Listen to Me Sister’ has the most delicious thrash guitar, while there isn’t much being said lyrically, the song sends a message. The constant rise and fall of the instrumental takes you for a ride. It’s a perfect mosh pit song.
The impressive guitar is there again in ‘Haters Gonna Hate’ but this time they add the lyrical power behind it. An acknowledgement of the hateful mess the world is in right now, this song is a battle cry for those who are sick of this forced divide.
Things slow down with ‘Ugly Me’. That hint of self-loathing and religious complexity is so relatable. The cycle of ups and downs of feeling content and then suddenly wanting nothing to do with yourself.
When I previously reviewed ‘Craterface’ I called it a rallying cry against self-hate. To finally have it in the context of the album it becomes even more real. To go from the misery of ‘Ugly Me’ into this song where you take those feelings and tell them to go fuck themselves. It’s perfectly placed, a riot of anger and perseverance, a perfect pivoting point to the album.
‘Don’t Say It So’ brings the energy from rage to something more upbeat. A solid two-step hit, this song is sweeter in energy but no less fun.
‘Phone Call’ follows this switch with a do-wop inspired hit of longing and love. While the song is about waiting for a call that won’t come, the vibe isn’t sad.There are these little harmonies throughout, the guitar has surfer-style riffs, and the crashing cymbals like waves on a shore.
Sticking with the nostalgia, ‘Hey, Man’ is a grunge-esque delight. The cello at the start is a perfect compliment to the slower guitar giving things a sorrowful overcast. The slower pace in the beginning is a fake out for the ramp up in energy after the opening verses. Then things become this surfing adventure with lyrics that beg for forever.
‘Monsters (In My Brain)’ is so satisfying because the start is so quirky. It sounds cute and silly and like a foreboding tv commercial before quickly spiralling into unhinged panic complete with screaming, crying, and sirens.
Despite not being the last song, ‘Outro’ is the closing curtain on this record. An instrumental opening that sounds like a funeral march. The lyrics are hauntingly dark and are sung with the cadence of a gothic poem. To also include a tolling bell, crashing waves, and music-box like notes makes the entire song dreamlike in a way.
The real finale is ‘Pro Yarika’ which is connected to ‘Outro’, blending the sounds of waves that fade into acoustic guitar. This song maintains that wistful, mourning, energy but it doesn’t end that way. The growling gnashing vocals return, the drums pick up, the guitar goes wild. This album doesn’t end, it is reborn from the ashes of it’s last “Awoo!”
You can catch Death Pill at LOUD WOMEN Fest London this September, or if you’re like me, and just tuning in from the states, the SOLOGAMY vinyl release will arrive in a very special limited edition vinyl package. The first pressing will be in a laminated silver sleeve housing a frosted transparent vinyl disc. Not only that, as well as a free download there is an A4 colour poster of the band and a sticker. This pressing is strictly limited to 500 copies.
There will also be limited CD release, and it will be available on all digital platforms.
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