Girl and Girl, an Australian quartet, bursts onto the indie rock scene with their debut album, Call A Doctor, a vital and electrifying collection of songs that immediately grabs your attention. Released under Sub Pop Records, this album isn’t just a set of tracks; it’s an experience, a raw and honest exploration of mental health and modern anxieties wrapped in a timeless yet contemporary indie rock sound. From the first note, Call A Doctor makes a compelling Call For Doctor in a metaphorical sense, addressing the inner turmoil and societal pressures we often face.
Formed in the garage of guitarist Jayden Williams’ mother, the band’s origin story is as organic as their sound. The pivotal moment came when Kai James’ Aunty Liss, after walking her dog, joined their practice session on drums. What was meant to be a temporary fill-in turned permanent, adding a unique dynamic to Girl and Girl’s chemistry. With the addition of bassist Fraser Bell, the lineup solidified, and the band embarked on a journey from the Australian bush to international recognition, eventually landing a deal with Sub Pop through sheer word-of-mouth buzz.
The album itself, Call A Doctor, was forged in the intensity of marathon recording sessions within a two-story industrial complex over just two weeks. This frenetic creative process, overseen by producer Burke Reid, undeniably contributed to the album’s raw energy. As Kai James himself notes, “I can hear the stress in the record, which is good because that’s what it’s about—being tense, tied up, and in your own head.” This tension is palpable throughout Call A Doctor, making it a deeply resonant listening experience.
Musically, Call A Doctor is a diverse tapestry woven from eleven songs. It seamlessly blends sweeping guitar epics with introspective acoustic moments, punctuated by bursts of spiky punk energy and the unvarnished charm of indie-pop reminiscent of K Records. These sonic touchstones, ranging from Car Seat Headrest’s intimacy to Bright Eyes’ grandeur, create a soundscape that is both familiar and strikingly fresh. The album isn’t afraid to explore different moods and tempos, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish.
Lyrically, Call A Doctor is deeply personal, drawing from Kai James’ own experiences and struggles. The songs are reworkings of older material infused with new lyrics reflecting his battles with mental health and the pressures that arose as the band gained traction. This vulnerability is at the heart of Call A Doctor, making it relatable to anyone who has navigated the complexities of their inner world. The album title itself, Call A Doctor, can be interpreted as a call for doctor in a personal, internal sense – a plea for help or understanding in dealing with these internal battles.
Tracks like “Hello,” the lead single, explode with energy, driven by Aunty Liss’s powerful drumming. James describes it as “all about romanticizing your own misery,” delving into the comfort found in familiar darkness. “Mother” channels the raw energy of New Zealand’s Flying Nun scene, while “Oh Boy!” offers a jangly, Shins-esque vibe with James’s distinctive vocals.
Perhaps the centerpiece of Call A Doctor is “Maple Jean and the Anthropocene,” a five-minute epic that tackles climate change and personal suffering with a unique perspective. Inspired by a personal experience of hitting a wallaby, the song explores human ego-centrism and our tendency to see ourselves as the main characters in a vast and indifferent universe. This track exemplifies the album’s ability to blend personal introspection with broader societal themes.
Ultimately, Call A Doctor is described by James as being “about an individual who’s too far in their head, trying to get out.” While the themes are weighty, the album is infused with a surprising sense of humor and a bright energy that makes it incredibly engaging. Girl and Girl have crafted an album that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Feeling down has rarely sounded so compelling.
Call A Doctor is available now for streaming, download, and on physical formats like vinyl and CD. Don’t miss this unforgettable debut from Girl and Girl – a true indie rock revelation that makes a resounding call for doctor to the soul.
