Perfect Pussy, The Dome

Syracuse punk band Perfect Pussy began to make their name last year with their release of their debut EP I Have Lost All Desire for Feeling, a collection of four songs entitled I, II, III, and IV. The band take cues from the US hardcore punk movement of the 1980s, but create a sound which is genuinely unique. Perhaps above all, hardcore is a genre known for its aggression, and whilst there is an undeniably combative element to Perfect Pussy’s music, it is also strangely ebullient. Take the third track from I Have Lost All Desire for Feeling by way of example; the song begins as a cacophony of distorted guitars and screamed vocals, but as it progresses, clear melodic lines begin to emerge, and sense is made of the chaos.
This year, Perfect Pussy released their first full-length album, Say Yes To Love, to near-universal acclaim. It is a work as affirmative as its title might suggest; the songs are played with a rare energy and conviction. Such is the album’s energy, however, that it’s often difficult to make out singer Meredith Graves’ vocals. It’s worth the effort, though, when the words are as thoughtful, incisive and confessional as these.
Perfect Pussy are one of this year’s most discussed bands. As you might imagine, they have a reputation as energetic and dynamic performers. Their gig at The Dome on November 6 isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it promises to be compelling.