I miss concerts more than any other kind of public gathering right now. An upcoming show is motivation, inspiration, whatever it takes to get through the week. There’s something about the enthusiasm artists bring to their live gigs, the unfiltered performance lost to time when it ends, that cannot come through on the track. One live show is worth a thousand spins of any record, and even the best bands only manage to capture a sliver of their living energy.
Baltimore-based punk outfit Pinkshift has managed to do just that: their songs take you along for the emotional ride, with nonstop forward motion start to finish. Despite an interrupted touring schedule, they’ve grabbed plenty of attention in advance of their forthcoming debut EP. After tearing onto the scene with “On Thin Ice” in March, they continue to impress with their new release, “i’m gonna tell my therapist on you.” Out today, their second single tackles the frustration of being failed by mental health professionals and by a system which can cause more harm than healing. The song isn’t all angst though, it’s ultimately about taking back agency when it’s been robbed. The strength in frontperson Ashrita Kumar’s vocals shows listeners that immense power can be found in what others might call weakness or shortcoming.
“It’s about being tossed between specialists and feeling unheard while existing in the healthcare system. As a band, we put together a sound that really expresses that feeling of ‘looking cr*zy.’ I wanted to be able to reclaim that feeling and make it something powerful that I hope others can relate to.” -Ashrita Kumar
By combining diverse styles and influences, Pinkshift is quickly developing a unique brand of infectious rock jams. They fit snugly between 90’s riot grrl sound and the melodic posthardcore acts of the early 00’s, but with mainstream sensibility and hummable hooks reminiscent of No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom. “i’m gonna tell my therapist on you” is built around power chords and straightforward drums, but it doesn’t stop there: an eerie second verse and an explosive sing-along bridge help the song unfold into a satisfying final chorus. After a few listens, you’ll be ready to kick anyone’s ass through the door.
With their debut EP due later this year, Pinkshift is undoubtedly on the rise. To hear more, check out their music on Spotify, BandCamp, Apple Music, and YouTube, and give them a follow on Tik Tok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr.
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