ALBUM REVIEW: Violet Grohl - Be Sweet to Me

Having faced an abundance of nepo baby discourse already at age 20, Violet Grohl proves exactly why she shouldn’t be written off with debut album ‘Be Sweet to Me’. After years of sharing the stage with her dad the alt-rock 90s influence is prevalent, but it’s clear Grohl hasn’t been complacent and uses her debut to define her own sound instead of sinking into expectation. 

Photo Credit: Bella Newman

The fuzzy guitar on opening single ‘THUM’ compliment the haunting flexibility within her vocals, immediately disarming criticism with a Riot Grrrl meets Dream-Pop feel. ‘595’ and ‘Bug in a Cake’ are both instantly catchy with strong grunge undertones, the latter song summing up the fear of the unknown Grohl discusses throughout the album. From this point, Grohl starts to explore more experimental sounds with ‘Mobile Star’ highlighting her haunting vocals alongside the background static, creating an ambient feel that contrasts the previous harshness. 

Everything we’ve heard then blends together on ‘Applefish’ with gentle vocals melting into the heavier sound, reminding us of a more aggressive Mazzy Star. Closing track ‘Plastic Couch’ is a perfect summation of her debut, paying respect to the greats that inspired her, whilst entering into her own modern sound. It builds acoustically allowing for her surreal vocals to take center stage before an explosive final two minutes. It’s both youthful and nostalgic, a complex album that only makes us anticipate where she goes from here as she further refines her unique edge. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxX7lLzyY6c

Having only previously made appearances at huge Foo Fighters arena shows, Grohl’s solo tour is one to keep an eye out for as she sets out to play much more intimate venues. She plays Band on the Wall in Manchester on August 25th before later returning to the North on October 3rd at Arts Club here in Liverpool and we cannot wait to hear her debut in full force.