Bitch'n's "Messed Out" Finds Strength in Numbers

By Shannon Gormley

[UNIFIED FORCE] There's a reason we have a history of songwriting duos rather than songwriting quintets—the expression "too many cooks in the kitchen" comes to mind. Putting more people in charge can result in more chaos. But that's not the case with Bitch'n. All five members have equal songwriting input, so on the band's debut EP, Messed Out, everyone's voice gets heard—literally. Each member of the all-female band takes turns singing lead. More often, they half-sing, half-shout the lyrics in unison. The members' diverse influences all find a way in, too. From psychedelic washes to funky keys and ferocious drive, Bitch'n packs a lot into songs that usually wrap up in under three minutes. But the music never feels overworked or out of control, thanks in large part to the tight rhythm section of drummer Amanda Spring and bassist Nefertiti Porter. The songs are energetic and unflinching but still have a sense of humor—see "The way that you move/ I can tell that you're into fine wine" at the end of "Strut'n Tough," or "I wear my sunglasses in the darkened basement/ But only out of a deep sense of commitment/ To my outfit" on "Funemployed," the punky jam that ends the album. Instead of competing against one another, the band's viewpoints all effortlessly come together to create one kickass sound.

Related: "Best New Band 2016: Bitch'n."

SEE IT: Bitch'n plays Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St., with Smoke Rings and the Wild Body, on Thursday, Aug. 4. 8:30 pm. $10. 21+.

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.