Review: Mannequin Pussy’s “I Got Heaven” Explores Autonomy and Defiance
CHANNELING A FEARLESS EXPLORATION OF VULNERABILITY— Mannequin Pussy, the boundary-defying band known for their potent blend of punk, shoegaze and power pop, has returned with a visceral offering that transcends convention. Their fourth studio album titled I Got Heaven, emerges as a testament to the band's evolution and a manifesto for liberation.
Following a five year hiatus since their last studio album Patience (2019), Mannequin Pussy's return is marked by newfound synergy and a deeper dive into visceral imagery and creative exploration. With guitarist Maxine Steen joining the lineup, I Got Heaven represents a significant milestone as the first album where the band has collectively penned their compositions within the studio setting.
Blurring the lines between genres, the band weaves together elements of aggression, introspection and euphoria with an unparalleled finesse.
At the heart of I Got Heaven lies a thematic thread of freedom. Through introspective lyricism and evocative imagery, the album serves as a meditation on breaking free from constraints, whether they be societal, emotional or existential. Each track is a cathartic exploration of self-discovery and the relentless pursuit of authenticity.
Starting strong with opener “I Got Heaven,” lead vocalist Marisa Dabise thrusts listeners into a world where vulnerability meets defiance, and where the imagery of dogs and leashes becomes a powerful metaphor for autonomy and control. Dabise commands attention from the outset, seamlessly transitioning between silent whispers and aggressive, fierce yelling, as she lays bare her innermost thoughts and desires as she sings, “I’m stuck inside my loneliness / I’m stuck inside my grief / I wish I could’ve been there to save you from the reach / I am spiteful like a god / I seek vengeance like the rest.”
“Loud Bark” carries a similar imagery of dogs that possess a deeper bite. The title itself, “Loud Bark,” sets the tone for the track – a defiant declaration of presence and strength. Dabise's vocals oscillate between snarls, growls and powerful melodies, embodying the fierce determination of someone unafraid to confront the forces that seek to restrain them. The lyrics, “not a single motherfucker who has tried to lock me up could get the collar round my neck,” encapsulates a defiant proclamation of independence, a refusal to be subdued by the confines of societal conventions.
As the album unfolds, the dog imagery evolves, becoming a central motif that underscores the band's exploration of control and submission. Whether through purrs or hostile growls, Dabise navigates the nuances of power dynamics with a ferocity that is both captivating and cathartic which is heard in “Nothing Like,” “Aching” and “I Don’t Know You.”
Photography Credit: Millicent Hailes
“OK? OK! OK? OK!” sees Mannequin Pussy unleash an onslaught of hardcore energy that refuses to be diluted, showing the band’s commitment to their DIY origins even as they progress further. Bassist Colins “Bear” Regisford takes center stage, embodying commanding vocals that propels the track into a visceral experience unlike any other. As “OK? OK! OK? OK!” unfolds, Regisford's screams serve as the driving force behind the chaos, anchoring the track with an unrelenting ferocity that is impossible to ignore.
Guided by 90s alt-rock influences, “Softly” is reminiscent of Hole’s iconic Live Through This (1994) record, evoking a sense of gritty realism juxtaposed with shimmering melodies and dreamy guitar tones. With its evocative verses and ethereal choruses, “Softly” pays homage to the raw emotional depth and sonic textures of tracks like “Miss World” and “Doll Parts.”
“Of Her” is an ode to Dabise’s mother nurturing her creative freedom as she starts the song with “I was born of her fire / of sacrifices that were made so I could make it.” From the outset, “Of Her” pays homage to the band’s punk roots, with frenetic guitars driving the track forward with unrelenting energy and urgency. Despite the feverish pace of the guitars, there is a sense of tenderness and vulnerability woven throughout the track. It's a reminder of the profound connection between creativity and love, and the transformative power of maternal influence.
As the final curtain falls on I Got Heaven, the closing track “Split Me Open” serves as a poignant reminder of the album's central theme: the surrender to freedom. With the mantra “I got to be free” echoing throughout the track, the band adds a layer of artistic prowess that channels these experiences into a source of liberation.
What sets Mannequin Pussy apart is a fearless exploration of their emotions with a confidence and poise that is unmatched. Whether they’re exploring themes of love, loss or self-discovery, they do so with an unwavering sense of purpose and conviction. I Got Heaven doesn’t shy away from even the rawest emotions and stands as a matured and more evolved work. It’s a timeless record that resonates with honesty and imperfection.
