Hell is other people, so what happens when you imagine a future without them? That’s the loose question floating through Girl K is for the People, the Chicago band’s first EP for Take This to Heart Records. The quartet—vocalist/keyboardist Kathy Patino, guitarist Kevin Sheppard, bassist Alex Pieczynski, and drummer Ajay Raghuraman—has spent the past few years zeroing in on their core values: minimizing harm while dialed in to charm. By taking inspiration from 1980s sonic templates, Girl K is for the People finds a young band at their most refreshed and focused, empowered by the colorful and danceable as modern neuroses darken the corners. Finished pre-pandemic, the EP captures a band on the edge of a new breakthrough but still unsure of how to wield its exciting power. Enveloped by 1980s saving graces like track fadeouts, sparkling keyboards, and wide-open production, anxious journal entries are tucked behind neon-lit signage. New wave opener “You†starts abruptly and stays urgent, concerned with remaining a good person while everyone seems to debate your merits. The tight piano-rock “Best for You†drags its feet through the early stages of a courtship, and “Real Mad†runs away from catcalling strangers with high-spirited vocal runs and guitar trills. It might be easy to label Girl K as a band stuck between eras, but they’re just finding their footing. Remember: they’re for the people, and they’re here figuring it out—just like you.
