On their energetic debut
Growing Up
, California quartet
the Linda Lindas
come of age with a potent blend of classic punk, new wave, and power pop for the Gen Z crowd. Channeling everyone from
Bikini Kill
and
L7
to
the Donnas
,
the Runaways
, and
the Go-Go's
, this ridiculously catchy burst of wide-eyed, youthful anthems is an inspiring win for representation. Breaking down age, gender, and racial barriers, the Asian-American and Latinx foursome first burst onto the scene with their viral hit "Racist, Sexist Boy," a churning cut of righteous anger that empowers as much as it devastates, a relatable sentiment for anyone who's ever been on the receiving end of ignorance and discrimination. That track joins nine others, which range from pogo-bounce anthems like "Talking to Myself" and "Remember," to more aggressive cuts like the lurching earworm "Oh!" and the snarling post-punk of "Fine," an ode to messy teen emotions. While the entire group -- guitarists
Bela Salazar
Lucia de la Garza
, bassist
Eloise Wong
, and drummer
Mila de la Garza
-- share vocal duties,
Salazar
takes center stage on the breezy Spanish-language "Cuantas Veces" (and her cat -- "killer of mice and rats" -- gets his time to shine on the playful "Nino"). Altogether, it's pure fun to hear these young people having a blast playing purposely raw and unpolished rock, refining their chops along the way. Hinting at more to come with a little more experience and practice,
is a heartwarming opening salvo that recharges the punk spirit for a new generation while recognizing, as they sing on the endearing title track, that "there's still a little more growing up" to do. ~ Neil Z. Yeung