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Chicago-based queer indie rock band Pinksqueeze released their debut full length album Be Gay Have Fun! on May 12th, 2023. Voted Chicago’s 3rd best rock band in the Chicago Reader’s best of 2022, Pinksqueeze cultivates community at their shows, described as, “like being at a sleepover with friends you haven’t met yet.” Pulling from a variety of genres like punk, emo, and indie, Be Gay Have Fun! is a vivid, bubbly exploration of queer joy, community, and identity.
The album as a whole is gorgeously cohesive, effortlessly traveling between a range of genres and, at times, mirroring the sound and energy of a live show. “Queer for Clout” does this exceptionally well, channeling punk elements with gritty guitar and shouted vocals. The song is an honest, liberating anthem, the chorus chanting, “Fuck what you think of me and/My sexuality/It’s not just queer for clout.” This powerful, driving track calls out societal doubts and pressure surrounding queer sexuality, creating space for celebration of identity through music.
In a similar punk style, “WTF is Bubblegrunge” consists entirely of spoken and shouted vocals, backed by steady drums and melodic guitar. Weaving facts about women, nonbinary, and queer influence on the rock music scene unabashedly between chants of “What the fuck is bubblegrunge?,” the band draws attention to blatant inequality that still exists in music today.
“She Sees” is a soft, glimmering love song. The lyricism throughout is lovely and poetic. To cite a couple lines, “And I’m pretty sure that flowers grow/From the cracks she steps on,” “She wears heart shaped eyes for the city/So when she rolls them at me/I’m just grateful she’s facing me.” This track radiates the color pink, a cool breeze, and summer sunsets. It’s a light, elated meditation on
young love and finding beauty in the simple things.
Fusing punk and indie rock, “Summer in Chicago (I’ll Be Fine)” describes the aftermath of a breakup in a positive tone. The vocals are bright and fun, emphasizing support from friends and excitement for summertime. Group vocalization sends home the message “You’ll be fine,” highlighting the band’s supportive, mom rock energy.
Pinksqueeze is what the Chicago music scene always needs more of– An upbeat, delightful rock band for the queer community. Be Gay Have Fun! will certainly become a staple, stirring up crowds and brightening personal playlists. Be sure to catch Pinksqueeze at Cobra Lounge for their album release show on May 20th, 2023.
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