Philadelphia punks Mannequin Pussy’s made their best album yet with 2019’s Patience. They’ve hinted that their fourth is done now, too, tweeting that the new songs include “1 classic MP song. 1 pop song. 1 sad bitch bedroom song. 1 happy slut bad-bitch song. 1 Bear song. These songs make up our collective feelings over this stupid fucking year.” Producer Will Yip calls them “bonkers,” which has us all the more excited.
The cover art of Mannequin Pussy’s third album, “Patience”, is an apt illustration of what you’re about to hear. An old-school globe is aflame, setting the scene for the Philly punk band’s strongest effort to date—as well as one of the best (and most cathartic) punk albums of the year. The artwork springs to life especially on one of the record’s most delicate and simultaneously powerful tracks, “High Horse.” Vocalist/guitarist Marisa Dabice reaches into a crescendo while she belts, “Your world’s on fire, as I watch up from my high horse / Your world’s on fire, and I walk away.” The climactic moment in which Dabice exits an abusive relationship epitomizes the immense strength fueling Patience, and acts as a prelude of sorts to the message that supplies the project’s lifeblood: You are enough. “Who You Are” echoes that same sentiment, exploring how to quiet your inner critic (and how to say “screw you” to the systems that put this critic in your head in the first place). Unlearning harmful thought patterns is a challenge, but can ultimately set you free. Patienceis all about chasing that freedom—and more importantly, being patient with yourself in the process.
“High Horse” by Mannequin Pussy from the album ‘Patience,’ available now
The Fat Angel Sings 