I Just Read About That…

[ATTENDED: April 30, 2019] Daddy Issues

I love the name of this band, Daddy Issues.  And I loved hearing about how they came up with their name

When singer and guitarist Jenna Moynihan saw the phrase “Daddy Issues” scribbled on the bathroom wall of a now-defunct Nashville DIY venue, she mistakenly assumed it was the name of an all-girl punk outfit sure to become her next favorite band. Upon realizing that no such band existed, Moynihan and friends Emily Maxwell (drums) and Jenna Mitchell (bass) picked up their instruments, taught themselves how to play and started their own band.

I had seen Emily Maxwell play drums with Jessica Lea Mayfield, but I was really quite excited to see the whole band.

I was in front of Moynihan who sang lead and played guitar.  It was interesting how the band used up the entire stage, so (no last name given) felt miles away.  And Emily was in between.

Emily Maxwell is a wonderful drummer–she doesn’t do anything too fancy but she knows how to get the aggression out.  And the melodies and catchiness of these poppy punk songs are undeniable.

They played most of their newish album, Deep Dream.  There’s a definite Nirvana feel on some of the songs, but never copying, just appreciating.

Great lyrics like on the slower, catchier “In Your Head”

But oh in your head
I wear your shirt to bed with my new boyfriend
And it’s never that good when we’re having sex
You think I miss your moves
And I’m forever dark blue
Oh yeah in your head
I can’t get over you

Or fun songs like “Lemon” which is faster and which features the bassline following along the poppy vocal melody.

After playing a couple of songs, Emily asked if we could get serious for a minute.  She explained that they had a collection jar for RAINN in the lobby.  She said that they each knew someone or had themselves had an incident that shouldn’t have happened.  So anything that could help in this fucked up world was worthwhile.

This led to two songs that address issues of female sexuality: “I’m Not”

It’s not my fault
I blame my sexuality
I feel promiscuous but maybe I’m a prude
I’m naked and I feel dumb
TV and Adderall screwed me up
You’re out there and I’m home smoking pot
You’re so fucking great and I’m not

and “Locked Out”

Turns out I’m a bummer
I’m not the kind of girl
You keep around
Or kiss in the morning

We stayed on the porch couch
Fooled around
But it’s unimportant now
Because I’m unimportant now

Molly brought spirits back up when she yelled that she was from Philly and was ironically wearing her brother’s high school lacrosse shirt–but that it was way too hot.  “I thought these were supposed to breathe, damn.”  The band has some cool songs where the bass is the dominant instrument while Moynihan plays simple but effective guitar like the spare notes in “Dandelion.”  Molly also had some great backing vocals.

They played an old song called “Drop Out” which they dedicated to Molly who had just gotten her college diploma that day.

They ended the set with a song “written about a character on Game of Thrones–no spoilers!”  The riff of “Dog Years” was heavy as anything live (sounds a bit like Nirvana) with an awesome noise-filled solo mid song.  And the lyrics make it a great kiss off song.

Oh no, you scratched until I bled
I hope you choke on your own spit in your own bed
Cause I know
I know how it ends
We’re not gonna be friends
In dog years you’re dead

They were fantastic and I’d love to see them again.

Apprioximate setlist

1. In Your Head
2. Lemon
3. I’m Not
4. Locked Out
5. Dandelion
6. Drop Out
7. High St
8. Dog Years