Girl Scout – Brink

Swedish indie rock trio Girl Scout first came onto my radar last year, when I saw them support Alvvays in Manchester. Though the trio’s roots lie in jazz music—the founder members met at Stockholm’s Royal College of Music, where they were studying jazz—superficially, at least, you’d never really know it from listening to their debut record, Brink. The group’s sound has been described as bubble-grunge, but it feels dismissively narrow in their case.

Over the course of its thirteen tracks, Brink covers an encouragingly wide variety of terrain, with early nods to dream pop (“Song 1”), crisp, immediately accessible alternative rock (“Same Kids”), and the kind of polished indie rock that would have comfortably slotted onto Alvvays’ Blue Rev (“Dead Dog”). The moody, atmospheric “Keeper” showcases a more patient approach, while the playful “Operator” sees Girl Scout embracing their sillier side.

“Crumbs,” which singer Emma Jansson admits “sounds a bit Swedish,” is another highlight, evoking compatriots like Sahara Hotnights and even Kent. The dramatic “Homecoming” follows, effectively closing the album in style, before a short instrumental “Outro” brings Brink to an official close.

Consistent, assured, and suitably varied, Brink is a very impressive debut from a band with a bright future. Confuse them with Scouting for Girls at your peril.

Brink is out now via Human Garbage/AWAL.