Girl and Girl’s latest album, Call A Doctor, stands as a testament to the resurgence of garage rock. This record delivers an exhilarating listening experience, characterized by its infectious guitar riffs, dynamic basslines, and driving drum beats. Despite its lyrical straightforwardness, the album’s accessibility doesn’t detract from its overall enjoyment.

The album kicks off with “INTRO,” where we hear James’s introspective monologue set against a backdrop of strumming guitars. This opening track immediately sets the tone for the album, delving into themes of mental health. The spoken dialogue between James and a doctor reveals a poignant struggle with anxiety and depression, highlighting the doctor’s observation that James gravitates toward sadness and anxiety because they are familiar emotions. This track ends with a striking statement: “You’ve chosen the path of least resistance and by doing so, you’re missing out on a lot.”

From here, the album seamlessly transitions into its title track, “Call A Doctor.” This five-minute piece is a powerful blend of emo-pop guitar, sharp lyrics, and a relentless drumline. James’s vocals are filled with raw emotion, particularly as he confronts the label of “hypochondriac.” Breaking the fourth wall, he candidly reflects, “God I hope this motherfucking record sells,” encapsulating the desperation and hope that often accompanies becoming vulnerable as a new artist. The song closes on a note of poignant resignation with the line, “Life is pretty great until next week,” perfectly capturing the cyclical nature of anxiety and depression.

One of the standout aspects of Call A Doctor is its seamless transitions, which create a cohesive narrative throughout the album. For instance, the end of “Call A Doctor” flows effortlessly into “Hello,” where James admits, “Hello, I guess I’m just calling to let you know I’m not doing well.” These transitions weave a continuous thread that ties the album together, making it feel like a complete story rather than a collection of disjointed tracks.

The album strikes a delicate balance between intimacy and expansiveness, not only through the lyricism, but also through the instrumentation. Tracks like “Mother” and “You’ll be Alright” instil a sense of closeness, while songs like “Maple Jean and the Anthropocene” and “Comfortable Friends” offer a broader, more open feel. Each track retains the signature elements of garage rock from the 2010s, with James’s vibrato vocals, energetic drum lines, and raucous guitars.

Ultimately, Call A Doctor is a compelling contribution to the revival of garage rock. The lyrics vividly narrate an internal battle with anxiety and depression—familiar yet confining struggles. The album features a well-crafted mix of varied rhythms without straying too far from the genre’s roots. Its sunny beats and straightforward lyrics make complex and challenging topics more approachable, resulting in a fun yet thought-provoking record.

Order Call A Doctor HERE.