GIRLBAND! embrace the unapologetic thrill of attraction on ‘5AM’, taken from their self-titled debut album, out November 13. Written while frontwoman Georgie’s girlfriend was out on a late-night photoshoot, the song celebrates being completely captivated by someone, while challenging the traditionally male perspective of rock ’n’ roll love songs. “I wanted to write a proper rock ’n’ roll song about that feeling you usually hear men singing about,” Georgie explains.
Musically, ‘5AM’ is steeped in classic 70s rock ’n’ roll swagger. A Beatles-esque guitar riff leads the way, supported by a groovy bassline and stomping, driving drums. There’s a dirty, bluesy quality to the arrangement, with just enough contemporary indie-rock influence to keep things feeling fresh. Georgie’s effortlessly cool, playful delivery brings plenty of personality, sounding every bit the besotted rock star.
Beneath that swagger lies a more complicated story of queer love, including the secrecy and uncertainty that can accompany relationships before they’re shared openly. Yet ‘5AM’ remains a celebration of desire rather than a lament for its complications. GIRLBAND! take a familiar rock ’n’ roll fantasy and make it entirely their own.
