Go Betty Go are a four-piece girl pop-punk band who hail from LA. However, unlike most all girl groups you can throw your preconceptions away as far as Go Betty Go are concerned. This band have been together in their present form since 2001, and before that the individual members had racked up appearances in a variety of other bands. Go Betty Go have been working hard to be recognised as a band in their own right. They want an identity away from just being a female punk band, and for that they deserve credit. To many bands are prepared to use a gimmick to their advantage so it’s refreshing to see a band playing for the love of playing.
Anyway, other issues aside, ‘Worst Enemy’ is Go Betty Go‘s debut EP release on Side One Dummy. It features five tracks, including one sung in Spanish – two of the band members are sisters, and grew up with a big South American influence around them. In fact there is a very subtle Latin hint to their brand of pop-punk – although nothing that would see them being tagged as such.
The EP kicks off with ‘You’re Your Worst Enemy’, a very solid pop punk rock song. It features strong vocals, decent musicianship and a catchy chorus. ‘It’s Too Bad’ flies past in much the same vein. This band certainly know how to craft a decent pop-punk song – and the backing melodies certainly enhance what Go Betty Go are trying to do. ‘Son Mis Locuras’ is the aforementioned Spanish track, and despite the language barrier still showcases some driving pop-punk. ‘Go Away’, unfortunately lets the side down a little. This is a very average track. Thankfully, ‘C’mon’ picks the pace up again and proves to be the pick of the five-song set.
Go Betty Go have produced a strong debut release with ‘Worst Enemy’. It proves to be a decent stab at a very overpopulated genre. They may be trying to ignore the issue, but the fact that they are an all-girl group certainly gives them an extra dimension, especially in the backing harmonies, and could help them stand out. However, even without that fact, this is an enjoyable listen and is worth checking out.
www.gobettygo.com
Mark