Before any of their music was up on Bandcamp, we were introduced to The Linda Lindas at the Palladium, opening up for feminist punk legends, Bikini Kill. Then, after dropping several tunes including a political number aptly titled “Vote!,” their AAPI Heritage Month performance at the Cypress Park Library went viral. This brilliant quartet of Asian and Latinx musicians has come together for a new single—their first on Epitaph Records. “Oh!” is a mid-pandemic defeatist anthem; watch below.
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“’Oh!’ is one of the first songs we collaborated on during the pandemic, masked and distanced on the front porch,” recalls the band. “It started with the main riff and progression Bela brought to the band. Eloise wrote the verses and Lucia and Mila wrote the choruses. The song deals with trying to help out someone and having it blow up in your face.” – The Linda Lindas
Punk and feminism have always gone hand in hand, and The Linda Lindas harness that power to amplify important messages. They went viral for “Racist, Sexist Boy,” but the lyrics of “Oh!” point in a different direction, wallowing in the frustration of someone else’s decisions. With an apathetic ambiguity, the band answers its own rhetorical questions as they wonder in the chorus what to do or say to a stubborn friend: nothing. If you really want to help someone, they have to accept your support.
The video for “Oh!” gives us a peek into the style and attitude of each band member. It was directed by Ryan Baxley and featured American skateboarder and photographer Ray Barbee. Every one of The Linda Lindas’ looks is worthy of a glossy magazine spread, and each member’s playful personality comes through even during the wide-angle shots with their instruments.
Words: Zoë Elaine
Buy “Oh!” on Bandcamp and explore the band’s self-titled EP while you’re there. For more, follow The Linda Lindas on Instagram.
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