Words by Julie Riley of I am HER
To quote their own press release: “Out 5 June, ‘Wonderwomen’ is the superpowered new single from London’s ‘mummycore’ feminist pop band I, Doris – delivering the message that ‘you don’t need to be a hero, you’re doing fine as you are, love’. A DIY comic book video accompanies the release, which sees the Dorisses donning superhero costumes to tackle everyday epic battles, like the school run, the office, and the supermarket.”
Crashing into being with the drums then a slapping bass (and what a bass line ) reminiscent of the Grange Hill theme tune, flange guitar, disco-like keytar, cool, sweet harmonies and multiple voices (for true democracy) we are immediately in our comfort and fun zone and possibly even ready for the dancefloor (which is itself a battlefield of sorts). The track thumps, bumps, sparkles, whizzes and fizzes. Alongside some of the greats like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and more recently Phil Redmond (he, creator of Grange Hill and Brookside), I, Doris know the way to reach the most people is through popular culture.
Wonderwomen does just that – it is relatable, catchy and gloriously fun and full of DIY ethos as though we could all do this. In this way I, Doris hook the listener and embed their serious message. It does not get any more serious than this. I, Doris may not seem too heavy about themselves, happy to be a little self -mocking with ‘pants outside my tights..’ but do not be fooled. These women are super smart and know that just like charity, real revolutions start at home – as they say, on the school run and in the supermarket. Doris says of the song:
“Women are often praised for being multi-tasking superheroes – who needs that kind of pressure? This is a song about cutting yourself some slack. If you’ve managed to get the kids to school in one piece, and get through the day without thumping your boss, you’re doing fine.”
Women don’t need to change who they are or what they do to be more equal or of more value, Society needs to change how IT perceives and values them. The timing of the release could not be any more poignant. Through this pandemic we are experiencing a heightened reassessment of how Society values race, class, gender and the economy, as roles once looked down on as menial are currently valued as they should be – essential and important. Long may this last.
The song is on point as is the comic book style video that accompanies the track which could not be more fitting or more fun. A vignette of where Grange Hill meets the Marvel Comics the video features some of their best work to date – their own children. Our future is bright with these young people in it, growing up as they do with this kind of messaging as everyday to them as teeth brushing or breakfast cereal.
With this classic pop track it is clear that I, Doris are not just ‘Mummycore’; they are hardcore revolutionaries, boosting our confidence, prepping us for everyday battle and getting us ready to run a better world in less than 2.5mins. They are doing more than fine. They are Wonderwomen. If you can’t see that you’d better go to Barnard Castle.
Wonderwomen is out today on Bandcamp (fee free – whoop!) and you can find I, Doris on Facebook
