Private Wives – Three Of Swords

Wollongong, Australia’s Private Wives are an all-female trio who deliver their frenetic punk rock with a side of defiant feminism, and their raucous debut is defined by a steely determination to reclaim their story.

Opener “Can You Hear Me” channels the feeling of being overlooked and ignored into a frenetic anthem about taking back control (“you think that you’re clever/but I can do better”). The Australian-accented vocal aside, its infectious punk energy, with the faintest trace of power pop, calls to mind early Sahara Hotnights, which is always a good thing in my book.

The devastating “Heartlines,” an unflinching survivor’s account of manipulation and exploitation, forms the emotional centrepiece of Three of Swords. To describe the raw honesty of its astonishingly personal lyrics as merely powerful feels inadequate; combined with the pummelling rhythms and wailing feedback, they form the most potent gut punch. It feels like so much more than just a song, and it’s executed to perfection.

Other highlights include the languorous “Evan” and recent single “Haymaker,” which integrates new wave influences and smooth vocal harmonies. Meanwhile, album closer “The Fool” sees the trio having fun with contrasting hard and soft elements, which combine to form the kind of indie rock-leaning brand of punk we heard on Mannequin Pussy’s landmark I Got Heaven.

Private Wives may not have scaled those heights just yet, but this bold, thrilling debut marks them out as a serious band to watch.

Three Of Swords is out now via Farmer & The Owl.