Watching the Go-Go Girls Dance
by: marla tiara

At the beginning of a dreary winter in Massachusetts, I eagerly awaited the release of Dressy Bessy’s new disc, The California EP (Kindercore Records).

What, you think you haven’t heard of Dressy Bessy before? They have, in fact, popped up in a film (But I’m a Cheerleader) and on one major label release (The Powerpuff Girls: Heroes and Villains), so maybe you’ve caught their jangly pop sound without even realizing it.

The new EP isn’t much of a departure from their first full length release, Pink Hearts, Yellow Moons, and it’s the perfect thing to break up the chill that this season is bringing. Upbeat lyrics and buoyant vocals carry the warmth of California into the headphones of this East Coaster.

The standout track after a few listens is "Super Star Everything," which
brings to mind 60s girl groups mixed with that hipster cool indie aesthetic of the 90s. “Welcome to the here and now, it’s easy. Welcome to the here and now, go crazy,” sings Tammy Ealom, imploring the listener not to worry about the future. “Think about better things, super star everything,” she adds knowingly.

I can’t get the chorus of Hangout Wonderful, “Hang out for just a little more because you’re wonderful!” out of my head, although the song is often discordant, which can be a smidge jarring when you’re lying on an
imaginary beach in your head, watching go-go girls dance.

Overall, this short set of songs is guaranteed to put anyone in a good mood full of palm trees and ocean beaches. I can’t wait for the band’s next full-length album, due sometime next year. A tour is promised for early in the winter on the East Coast, just when we’ll be needing another burst of sunshine from Dressy Bessy.