It didn’t take long for 2017 to deliver a great record, and thinking of what’s happening at the end of this week it couldn’t have come at a better time. The LA-based The Regrettes have culled 15 songs that feel universally relevant. If you’re old like me, or young like the band, the themes of Feel Your Feelings Fool! should be something to which you can relate.

Musically, I think the band is far ahead of where most their age should be. They seem to understand the difference between paying homage and ripping something off, and they do a good job of nodding to their influences without copying. There is a lot of garage rock and 60’s bubble gum pop getting mixed together. That’s nothing new, really, but they also bring a real punk energy to the songs, so it feels like The Ramones and Strawberry Alarm Clock decided to collaborate.

Lyrically, and I think more importantly, they talk about a lot of issues that plague so many. They talk about identity and misogyny in songs that can be a bit tongue-in-cheek, but the point gets across. The band’s voice does seem a bit inconsistent at times, where individual songs are good, but don’t fit in with some of the other tracks on the album. Nothing wrong with that, but I think if it were more consistent the record would be even better than it already is.

The vocal performance by Lydia Night on “Picture Perfect” has a very 90’s kind of flow, so it’s no surprise they count Hole as a reference point. The manic guitar work by Genessa Gariano adds a punch of verve that makes the brilliance of the tune undeniable. Then there’s the Salt-N-Pepa breakdown that makes it a personal favorite.

The Regrettes have a few shows lined up in California next month after touring last year with Sleigh Bells and Tacocat. You can check out Feel Your Feelings Fool! on Spotify.