Coco and Clair Clair are in a slightly different sphere than the pop girls who have dominated the summer so far. The duo lies somewhere between subdued club music, bedroom pop and shimmering alternative hip hop with their crisp percussion, rumbling bass and sensual vocals. Their lyrics are playful and determined and they use every opportunity to show their flow. On their new album Girlthis sound is sharper than ever, with a new focus on girlish hedonism.

It’s a record that comes at just the right time in the current music landscape. Coco and Clair Clair alternate between songs that showcase their confidence through boastful lyrics, songs that show a softer side of the duo through more tender confessions, and even a cover of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Their lyrics are consistently silly and confident, cheeky but never off-putting, while their singing voices blend seamlessly into one another.

Instrumentally, the record refines the elevated, bedroom-like style Coco and Clair Clair have become known for, but there are more club-ready moments too. “My Girl” hums with sonic excitement, while “Kate Spade” uses bold squeaks to underpin statements of self-importance. Their sound is both compact and confident, made for re-listening or remixing.

If you have no idea who might be featured on the latest Charli remix and are tired of constantly pressing the play button on “Good Luck, Babe!”, Girl by Coco and Clair Clair may be the perfect way to brat Summer.

For fans of: Getting ready with the girls, running errands with the girls, drinking dirty martinis with the girls.

A final comment from George Daniels Psyche: “Can I borrow this for my Boiler Room set?”

Girl Title by title:

Release date: 30.August | Produced by: Coco and Clair Clair | Label: Many hats

‘Martini’: A laid-back opener combines swirling soundscapes and crisp percussion with a tale of cheating, adorned with references to Weezer and pints at the Ibiza pub. Coco and Clair Clair’s laid-back confidence comes through immediately as they declare, “Every single song we make is your man’s anthem.” (3/5)

“Kate Spade”: Coco and Clair Clair boost their confidence in “Kate Spade,” which is just as atmospheric as “Martini” but has extra bleeps. The song features some of their most memorable and silly lyrics to date, most notably “Write a hit song and then read a big book.” Sounds like a perfect day. (4/5)

“Beautiful international, really happy person”: The duo give listeners a glimpse into their more vulnerable side on “Gorgeous International Really Lucky,” a softer song that borders on bedroom pop. “I just wanna be seductive, tell me I’m seductive,” Coco admits. There are also tender, almost adolescent expressions of love in the song, as Clair shrugs, “You’re so cool, I wanna be with you.” (3/5)

‘Our house’: We’ve heard three songs now, so you can probably predict what Coco and Clair Clair will do next, right? Maybe another song that showcases their skills as hit producers? Or a slightly softer story about true love? Or maybe a cover of a song by soft rock supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young? Surprisingly, it’s the latter, and what’s even more surprising: it works. (3.5/5)

“Everyone but you”: Midway through the record, Coco and Clair Clair switch instrumentals with a gentle strum and a shaker, but their lyrics are just as playful and defiant as ever. “We try to warn girls about men like you,” Coco sings, “You only bite, gingivitis, and you don’t chew.” It’s easy to imagine “Everyone But You” as the soundtrack to a coming-of-age film. (4/5)

“Sluts Part 2” (ft. Marjorie-WC Sinclair): “Bitches Pt. 2” opens with an otherworldly palette of synths and beeps that give way to another bold assertion of Coco and Clair Clair’s confidence. It’s the only song on the record with an outside feature, and ends with a nod to Janet Jackson and a verse from Marjorie-WC Sinclair, who was also heard on 2022’s “Bitches.” (3/5)

‘My girl’: If you were hoping for a Temptations cover, you might be disappointed. The synthy, super-cool “My Girl” couldn’t be much further from the 1965 love song that brings wannabe celebs and gunshots over shimmering electronic music. It seems like a last-ditch attempt to land on Brat Summer playlists before they resign themselves and prepare for the sad fall, but it’s worth a few listens before BST comes to an end. (4/5)

‘Graceland’: Once again, if you were hoping for a Paul Simon cover, you’ll be disappointed. Coco and Clair Clair show off their flow on the laid-back, cool “Graceland” and boast about having way more money than your favorite indie band. They’re probably right. (3/5)

‘Aggy’: Coco and Clair Clair close Girl with lead single “Aggy,” which reinforces the carefree, laid-back hedonism that drives the record. “You bring the boys, I’ll bring the girls,” sings Clair Clair in the chorus, “Have a couple of drinks and forget the world.” Stick Girl running in the background the next time you want to put these plans into action. (3/5)

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