Lady Scabies are Frothing at the Mouth on their ferocious debut EP
WebMD describes scabies as a rash “caused by tiny mites that burrow into your skin.” It goes on to say that it “spreads very easily from person to person” and “can affect people from all incomes, social levels, and living situations,” so with all that in mind, I can’t think of a better name for a punk band. This certainly isn’t lost on Philly’s Lady Scabies, which is comprised of guitarist Mary Perry, bassist Lindsay Bushong, and drummer Connor Jacobus (The Districts). Their debut EP Frothing At The Mouth is out now, and like the rash for which they’re named, it gets under your skin and demands your attention.
Like all punk records worth their salt, Frothing At The Mouth feels vital and in-the-moment thanks to production from Keith Abrams of Pine Barons. Opener “Blankets” kicks things off nicely with its shuffling drum beat, crunchy bass, and Perry’s urgent, yelping vocal. Then, they crank up the BPMs on the snarkily titled “Dirty Asshole” before asking “Do you like it when I dance for you, babe?” on the tense, confrontational “Do I Like It”. Bushong takes a turn at the mic on following track “Holes,” which sees her rejecting the role of the “silent, soulful muse” that’s all-too-prevalent in male-dominated indie rock. Then, Perry fires back with the anthemic, mid-tempo “Organic Erotic Sabbatical,” and they bring things home with the mosh-ready, eponymous “Lady Scabies!”
You can try to ignore Frothing At The Mouth as much as you’d like, but don’t be surprised if doing so leaves you itchy, blistered, and sore. When you’ve finally seen the error of your ways, you can stream the set below via their Bandcamp. I suggest you see a doctor afterwards, because Lady Scabies isn’t going away anytime soon.