Music That Makes You Feel #2: The Distillers

If anyone wanted punk rebellion somewhere long past pop-punk but before the point where you feel obliged to adopt a mohican style haircut, The Distillers are for you.  They may have long split, but that doesn't mean you can't have a listen.

To 15 year old me, singer Brody Dalle was the coolest woman in the world.  I loved - and still love - her gravelly voice and don't-give-a-f*** attitude.  Everything about her was rebellion and that's a strong draw when you're 15.  

Brody Dalle (or Armstrong, or Homme, or any of the other seven surnames she's reportedly had for various reasons) often receives comparison with Courtney Love - I'll dispute that probably due to my dislike of Courtney Love!  Brody Dalle gives a far more genuine impression than Love ever has on me.  

I've heard The Distillers described before as hard-core punk, but there's certainly a melodic quality to the music that I don't tend to associate with that particular genre.  You certainly shouldn't let it put you off!

In terms of tracks to listen to, and off of the subject of my apparent girl crush, you can't go wrong if you listen to any part of the album Coral Fang as an introduction.  The title track is deserving of a mention; drums and discordant bass and guitar are rhythmic but give way easily to a more tuneful chorus. 

Drain The Blood (cheerful I know) has an excitable feel and will leave you wanting nothing more than a good mosh, if you're into that kind of thing.  The Hunger shows a softer side to Brody Dalle's voice, only occasionally interspersed by screams and a pounding beat.  Overall, it's a more laid back track in the context of a punk album.

Outside of Coral Fang, the track that really got me hooked was City Of Angels from album Sing Sing Death House.  I love the frantic punk nature of it but it remains structured and I'm drawn to the vocal harmonies against the aggressive backing.  Lordy Lordy from the same album is intriguing in that I would describe it as punk with a bluegrass influence.

So, in terms of music making me feel something, The Distillers give you a sense of rebellion and the urge to fight back.  They make me want to wear slashed jeans with fishnet tights, double up on eyeliner (which is almost impossible, as anyone who knows me will agree) and not give a... hoot.  And it makes me want to not be the kind of person to have to write hoot, but somewhere along the line I ticked a box to say this was suitable for under 18s.

But, anyway... DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM!! Or something...