Sticky-Sweet Augmented Antagonism Meets the Adrenalized Vindication of Y2K Pop-Punk –

Lauren Ash’s stripes as a pop punk icon went up in a blaze of glory in her latest single, F.A.F.O, which has already become a fan favourite during her recent tours due to the sticky-sweet augmented antagonism driving every second of it. Lauren Ash, widely known on screen for her major role in the series Superstore before tearing into music with full force, has steadily built a second identity around her sonic ferocity. After her debut album Call Me When You Get This, headline shows across Canada and sold-out dates in Glasgow, Manchester and London, F.A.F.O lands with the confidence of an artist who knows exactly how to weaponise a hook.

It delivers the bite of 90s riot grrrl with the punchy, high-octane rush of Y2K pop punk, while carrying the kind of chant-ready adrenaline that makes total sense of its live reputation. She’s the girl all the bad guys want, to throw a Bowling for Soup reference into the mix, as she incites a riot against men who think they can breeze through life without ever paying for the consequences of their actions, expecting women to suffer whatever self-destructive absurdity without protest. Vindication runs thick in the veins of this radio and anthem-ready earworm. It absolutely slaps.

F.A.F.O is now available on all major streaming platforms. Find your preferred way to listen on the artist’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast