HitGRL – Are We Sure About This?
Fredonia-based HitGRL makes their formal introduction with the release of their debut EP, Are We Sure About This?, which landed as a self-released five-song set on March 1st. The first official outing from the band – comprising Sarah Burke (vocals), Katherine Wynn (cello, vocals), Ryan Terry (guitar), Michael Tumbaco (bass) and Gordon Hall (drums) – immediately signals a creative approach that resists easy categorization. While rooted in alternative rock, their sound readily pulls from the grit of grunge alongside the melodic and sometimes atmospheric leanings of indie rock, establishing a broad sonic canvas right from the start. Following the release of the single “BREAK U” in February, this collection serves as an initial exploration of the band’s dynamic range and emerging musical identity.
The EP establishes its stylistic range immediately through contrast. It opens with “Becoming Someone,” a track leaning into indie and beach rock sensibilities, carried by a catchy structure and notable vocal harmonies between Burke and Wynn. This mood pivots sharply with the second track “Whiskey,” which plunges into alternative and grunge territory, immersing the listener in distortion and feedback squeals. It’s a heavier, more intense sound where Burke’s vocals find a powerful footing, marking the EP’s most direct engagement with the grunge genre and underscoring the band’s versatile approach just two tracks in.
Lead single “BREAK U” is a standout, cleverly synthesizing the band’s varied interests. it incorporates unexpected math-rock elements and indie vibes during the verses before transitioning into more driving alt-rock choruses, making it arguably the EP’s most dynamic track. The closer, “Fawn,” presents itself as a slow burner initially, eventually unfurling with an expansive, almost classic rock energy that would not be lost on fans of Pink Floyd.
The wide reach of the EP’s sound finds context in the band members’ openly shared influences. A neat feature on their Spotify page includes individual mini-playlists curated by each member, showcasing tastes ranging from Van Halen and Metallica to MGMT and WILLOW. This publicly accessible roadmap helps illustrate the seemingly disparate elements present on the band’s debut, connecting the dots between inspiration and output. Even the EP’s cover art – a composite ‘Frankenstein’ face made from band member features and cutouts – reflects this method of piecing together diverse parts into a cohesive, if unconventional, whole.
Are We Sure About This? ultimately presents HitGRL as a band getting comfortable exploring the intersections of their varied influences and backgrounds. It’s a debut that values range, moving confidently between distorted intensity, indie catchiness, and atmospheric builds across its five distinct tracks. The EP is currently available for streaming on major platforms, with digital downloads offered via their Bandcamp page.
Categorised in: Album of the Week
This post was written by Ronald Walczyk