Known for both their brevity and intensity, Philadelphia combo
Mannequin Pussy
have issued two albums of ferocious full-bore punk, each one clocking in around the 18-minute mark. Led by singer/guitarist
Marisa Dabice
, the quartet's evolution between 2014's
Gypsy Pervert
and 2016's
Romantic
was subtle but distinct as they tightened up their musicianship and harnessed some of their raw energy into a more resolute yet still anarchic sound. On
Patience
, the band's third LP and first for punk stalwarts
Epitaph Records
,
offer a more dramatic transformation, turning in their most intricately layered and sonically muscular set to date. Pairing up with producer
Will Yip
, another Philly native with a healthy list of credits in the punk/emo/indie world (
Title Fight
La Dispute
Turnover
), they've made something more technically and emotionally complex without losing the teeth that characterized their earlier output. Though still relatively brief, it's also their longest album, making allowances for melodic standouts like "Drunk II" and "Fear/+/Desire" to develop at their own pace. Another beguiling track, "High Horse," takes full advantage of
Dabice
's impressive range as it builds from tender melancholia to mighty catharsis and back over its three thrilling minutes. "Who You Are" is a downright catchy indie pop cut, while shorter missives like "Drunk I" and "F.U.C.A.W." are as heavy and bruising as anything in their catalog. Aptly named,
is the sound of a band who have spent a few years growing into themselves and it honors
's raw punk past while opening doors to new creative possibilities. ~ Timothy Monger