King Princess Unleashes Raw Emotion in “Girl Violence”
Uneven Tones Transformed
On previous King Princess records, artist Mikaela Straus often grappled with a tone that could feel inconsistent, at times overshadowed by a soulful affectation. In her latest album, “Girl Violence,” Straus presents a more grounded approach, employing cut-up vocals that enhance both the album’s tightly crafted tracks and its more free-spirited moments. The same voice that seduces in one song takes on a different character elsewhere—exuding feelings of exasperation or desperation. For instance, on “Jaime,” her voice breaks with a childlike whine, while in the woozy interlude “Say What You Will,” featuring Idles’ Joe Talbot, it strains against a lush soundscape, gasping for air before fading into digital glitch. This thematic and musical consistency highlights a duality: pleasure and pain coalesce within one voice.
A Shift in Production
“Girl Violence” marks a significant departure for King Princess, being the first album produced without long-time collaborator Mark Ronson or his Columbia imprint, Zelig. Despite this change, Straus has retained industry heavyweights in her corner. Collaborating with producers Jake Portrait, known for his work with Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Lil Yachty, and Aire Atlantica, associated with Doechii and SZA, Straus crafts a sound that leans away from bubblegum pop and towards a more angst-driven aesthetic. This shift is evident in tracks like the hauntingly macabre outro of “RIP KP” and the indulgently cinematic title track, which has been likened to the closing credits of a planetarium show. However, the trio shines brightest in the album’s most straightforward songs, such as the rousing “Slow Down and Shut Up.”
Personal Turmoil and Artistic Growth
The release of “Girl Violence” follows a period of significant personal upheaval for Straus, including the end of her long-time professional relationship with Ronson and a four-year romance with film and creative director Quinn Whitney Wilson. Listeners seeking love songs or gentleness may find little solace here; instead, Straus embraces the role of the spurned rockstar. The absence of the other side of the story is notable, particularly after Wilson criticized Straus for “romanticizing a mutually toxic relationship” and drawing from her past trauma with Black women, a theme previously explored in 2019’s “Cheap Queen.”
Embracing Chaos and Controversy
As part of her modern marketing campaign for “Girl Violence,” Straus has embraced a bold persona, even going so far as to create a fake Instagram troll account that labeled her a “dusty wannabe.” Her album release party featured guests dressed as villains, showcasing her willingness to portray herself as both the instigator and the victim of chaos. While she identifies as a “reformed” member of the “girl violence community,” the drama she admits to in her lyrics doesn’t delve deeply into her own role in the dynamics at play. Instead, she describes others as “wack,” “fucking insane,” and “danger.” This raises questions about whether a more nuanced exploration of her own actions could have added depth to the record. However, if her brash and biting tone has helped restore her confidence, there may be room for introspection in future works, as she focuses on channeling her energy into shredding right now.
Conclusion
With “Girl Violence,” King Princess presents a compelling blend of emotional complexity and artistic evolution. The album serves as a testament to Straus’ growth as an artist, navigating personal turmoil while crafting a sound that is both powerful and poignant. As she embraces her chaotic narrative, listeners are left eager to see where her journey will take her next.
FAQs
What is the main theme of “Girl Violence”?
The main theme of “Girl Violence” revolves around the dualities of pleasure and pain, exploring the complexities of personal relationships and emotional turmoil.
Who produced “Girl Violence”?
“Girl Violence” was produced by Jake Portrait and Aire Atlantica, marking a departure from her previous collaborator Mark Ronson.
What can listeners expect from the sound of the album?
Listeners can expect a sound that combines elements of angst and emotional depth, moving away from the bubblegum pop of earlier works to a more raw and powerful sonic landscape.
How does “Girl Violence” reflect King Princess’s personal experiences?
The album reflects Straus’s personal experiences, particularly her breakups and the emotional aftermath, presenting her as a spurned rockstar rather than a victim, which adds a layer of authenticity to her music.
