Whisk, Retro Cowgirl, Bicycle Boy [inside]

Layered with plenty of guitar solos and knee-high socks, whisk’s raspy punk sensibilities are rooted in Nineties plaid and ascending power chord structure. Their debut EP shows off Emily Gritsman’s full-throttle vocals, ripped straight out of a riot grrrl zine, and tight drum fills that keep everything moving at a mixing bowl-approved clip. As the name suggests, openers Retro Cowgirl also draw from the pastiches of rock’s biggest decades. Fronted by lyricist Lucky Steele’s rousing voice and slippery-smooth guitar licks, the fourpiece outfit is all rock with a touch of blues and country. – Caroline Drew