When a band names themselves after The Vaselines and Iggy Pop, you know they are going to be something very very special. Also, when they cover your favourite song of all time (The Smiths-There Is A Light That Never Goes Out) and do not fuck it up- you know you’ve found a band you are going to love for life.

Their debut album, I Will Be is a phenomenal debut album and now I am enjoying their second album as the rain beats hard against the windoe. Dum Dum Girls have a sound that fuses 60s girl groups and surfer pop/lo-fi. Two things which I adore. My love for 60s girl groups is possibly a borderline obsession, I’m not sorry. What I love about Dum Dum Girls is that make you think you are anywhere but where you are. They make you want to go surfing, lay on a beach (I don’t care that it is October, the beach is always perfect regardless.) and they make you want to lay on a hill in the middle of the night gazing at the stars. Probably alone because you are the only person who will appreciate it, another person would just ruin the scenario and all you feel. Humans have a wonderful way of getting in the way of other people’s joy sometimes don’t they.

Before I delve into the album in full, I must say that Coming Down HAS to be the highlight of the album. Anyone who is familiar with Dum Dum Girls knows that their songs last around 3 minutes. Coming Down is double that, and it is a truly gorgeous song. It just shows the sheer strength and power in Dee Dee’s vocals, it’s beautiful.

A lot of the songs feel like lullabys and just put you at ease. Songs such as Caught In One and Bedroom Eyes. The album has a grander sound and there is such growth in comparison to I Will Be. All band members play on this record, and with Dee Dee giving up the control on the record, it really does pay off. I know a few bands have the “DREADED SECOND ALBUM” nerves trembling through them, but with this record it honestly feels like a record you’d expect from a band well into their career. It sounds so different from I Will Be. This isn’t a bad thing, both albums are highly remarkable. Besides, if a band was to keep making the same album over and over, and not developing there would be no point.

I could easily write a thousand words and more on Coming Down, just because it is one of the most chilling, eerie and stunning songs I’ve heard all year. It has a sense of loss and giving up in it, that isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes we need to hear a song like that because we all feel that way. You’re lying to yourself if you claim to have never wanted to give up. You’re human, not a machine. When she hits that note in the middle, if it doesn’t cover you in goose bumps or make you emotional- you’re probably dead inside.

The album feels like an album full of healing and letting go. It’s a comfort blanket, it’s one of this year’s greatest releases. And for me personally, it’s one of the few albums I have been so excited to hear.