For most folks these day the term punk varies in definition. For some it’s the ultimate edgy fashion choice, studs and patches. While others consider it a highly inspirational movement with the main goal of inspiring one to always be true to oneself; the ultimate this is who I am and if you don’t like it , oh well spirit and mentality. Although both of these common ideals can be considered punk attributes, many seem to forget its roots in music. Many musicians today claim punk as their inspiration, there is one band that gives the ultra riot grrl realness and post punk spirit, Amanda X.
Amanda X is comprised of three rockin’ ladies that hail from a small neighborhood, Kensington in North Philadelphia, with Cat Park on vocals and guitar, Kat Baen on bass and Tiff Yoon on drums. They found themselves coming together after Park and Bean both ended romantic relationships. It was front lady Cat that got Tiff and Kat in touch with their musical roots. In Ramones-esq fashion Park had some experience with guitar, while Yoon , who was a classically trained musician, had no drumming expertise.The two were acquainted with Bean through mutual friends ( all three lived in the same apartment building ) and it only took Park texting Bean, casually telling her she’s going to play bass in her band, effectively birthing Amanda X.
Park and Bean instantly began drawing inspiration from the fresh wounds of their recent breakups , a recurring theme on their first full length album Amnesia. The album title is a quick hint to the feelings that you must involuntarily forget after experiencing loss (well that’s my interpretation anyway). The first track titled Guatemala instantly punches you in the eardrums with Parks distorted vocals and simple but powerful garage style instrumentation lets you know instantaneously that you’re in for quite the experience. Obviously I recommend basically every track on the album because it's a damn great album but my personal favorites are Dream House, which tells a story about possible time wasted on someone and the false hopes we put into building something special. The stand out lyrics being “Is it all for nothing” hammers it home. And the final track on the album Friendly Tones which is honestly my favorite tune from the album is a bittersweet closing. Referring to the end of the show , a not so subtle metaphor for the demise of a relationship, the song's chorus is what really gets to me.” I almost walked away, but I’ll be fine” definitely assures me that the Philadelphian rockers will indeed be ok. So if you haven’t already opened another tab to experience the awesomeness that is Amanda X, I strongly suggest you do so..like now.
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