Dree Leer – Throw Hands

Dree – ‘to endure (something burdensome or painful)’

Leer – ‘to look or gaze in a lascivious or unpleasant way’

It’s a travesty of life in the 21^st Century that so many people are still on the receiving end of one or both. 

Dree Leer, a 3 piece band from Birmingham, Alabama, are set to release debut album ‘Throw Hands’ at the end of the month. An album that shouts loudly and angrily, ‘Throw Hands’ follows two lead singles, ‘Want It All’ and ‘Live Forever’, and is everything lovers of the best 90’s ‘Riot Grrrl’ movement will want but with a sound and attitude that brings it bang up to date. Think Throwing Muses, L7, Bikini Kill, Hole and you won’t be too far off the mark, you can then add in a heap of relevant social commentary, think Skating Polly, Dream Nails etc, in particular promoting the voice of women speaking out and being powerful.

‘Throw Hands’ is chock full of raw, grungy guitars. A forceful attack supported by thundering drums and rolling bass. Fast and often noisy but with an underlying pop-punk beat that will keep you tapping your feet. Over the top of this sometimes riotous background noise singer/guitarist Jackie Lo belts out lyrics covering the futility of life (‘Live Forever’), not getting enough of what you need (‘Want It All’) and the fight against other peoples expectations – “Tell me everything I oughta be again ……. Everyone knows you’re a lie” screams out from ‘You Too’. 

With the majority of the album slapping you round the ears with raw, crunching, fuzzy rock within seconds of each track opening up ‘Run Away’, with it’s light, almost delicate, dreamy guitar sounds stops you dead in your tracks. A perfect sonic balance to the speed and power of the rest of the album. ‘Run Away’ still delivers a serious message regarding the vulnerability of many as Lo hazily sings “Why don’t you listen to that voice in your head. It seemed innocent. But it’s different this time. It says run away. Run away little girl”.

Throw Hands is fierce, defiant, infectious and thoroughly recommended, the album will be released on April 30^th and can be pre-ordered here.