To discover art made by queer people in a music ecosystem that is extremely heteronormative is an exciting experience. Imagine the joy I felt when I found out that Resting B!tch Face is not only primarily made up of members from the LGBTQIA+ community, but are also female and desi fronted representing Queercore Punk from Birmingham!

The electric guitar at the beginning of “Straight White Man”, the new single from Resting B!tch Face makes the Punk Rock ambience that is about to follow extremely clear. The layered set of strings, with one going along with the melody of the lead vocals and the other adding vibration, combine to provide a sense of grounded readiness. The percussion is fast and energetic, the claps add sass and the chorus is extremely catchy. Like every true punk rock song, this one too has a kick-ass guitar solo before the final chorus ending on a high note.

The lyrics are extremely clever and funny! The first two verses are from the perspective of a straight white man and the satire escapes no one. The line “Somehow I still love my life” made me chuckle and “I’m the biggest dick in the room” genuinely had me laughing out loud. The essential characteristics of a straight white man such as being a momma’s boy and fury about taxation are laid down. The bridge shifts to the perspective of the band and the audience and is chant-like and anthemic, almost reminding one of spoken word. The vocal harmonies come together cohesively while the repeated words add emphasis.

I loved the attention to detail on the cover art with lines from the bridge printed on the borders. Resting B!tch Face remind us through their music of activism that can genuinely be fun and funny without being unserious. They are of the moment, unapologetic and radical. I am so happy to have discovered their work and genuinely look forward to all the music they have coming up!