Lips Speak Louder - Consolation Prize (2025) Hi-Res

Inspired by the spirit of Nashville, the girls from Lips Speak Louder decided to blow up the scene with their unique sound. Picture this: one with a guitar, the other on drums – and together, with their energy and drive, they create something fresh and multilayered. The duo, made up of Rachel Brandsness (vocals, guitar) and Angie Lese (vocals, drums), came together in 2023. And their rock sound, minimal in setup, turned out to be truly multifaceted. Inspired by bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Queens of the Stone Age, Garbage, and The Killers, the girls began writing songs without fear of experimenting or searching for their own path. 2024 brought several standout singles – “Hype,” “Crush,” and “Dog Days of Summer.” Each one with its own distinctive character. But that was just the beginning. In early 2025, the duo released the single “Spooky Girl.” And now – a full-fledged debut album, “Consolation Prize“, recorded with producer Emily Wolfe. It doesn’t overreach; it’s clean, steady, and, when needed, powerful – all while delivering a richness of intonation, an intimate chamber-like feel, and other intriguing shades. Something like a mix of butter and a stormy sea…

So, put on your life jackets, we’re setting sail on the waves of the album “Consolation Prize”. The album opens with the powerful track “Hype.” It’s clear that Rachel and Angie mean business. With clear sarcasm and biting irony, they take aim at those willing to forget who they are just for the sake of profit. The guitars hit hard, they press down, but in the best way. And the drums? A separate kind of thrill, the groove holds tight, no unnecessary flourishes, just crisp, focused accents. This approach is a blueprint for the new wave, the rhythm speaks for itself and perfectly sustains the track’s overall energy.

“Loser” follows the same structure, but uses it more effectively. From the very first seconds, the girls deliver a catchy melody, followed by a chorus where the instruments “support” the vocals at just the right moments. The track gradually evolves and ends with an energetic outro. Raw energy meets calm and composure in the track “Lose My Head.” The guitar is elegant and precise, with space, air, and plenty of bright details. The guitar parts are carefully crafted and rich in detail, while the percussion is naturally spread throughout the melody, without disturbing its harmony. Against this backdrop, the dynamic and striking “Crush” plays on contrasts. It smoothly shifts from soft, delicate chords to more saturated ones, reflecting the changeability of emotions – from shy uncertainty to a desire to openly express one’s feelings. The song is dedicated to everyone going through that fluttering, exciting phase of falling in love, when it feels like the whole world suddenly gets brighter.

And here comes my favorite track on the album, “Dog Days of Summer.”
It’s slower and more reflective than the previous songs. It’s about searching for oneself and breaking free from the shackles of others’ expectations. The guitar solo here is especially powerful – it feels like it leads the entire track forward, while the vocal lines complement it perfectly, adding sharpness and charisma. Let’s highlight “Spooky Girl” – a track that grabs attention instantly and doesn’t let go. Powerful guitar riffs and aggressive drums create the atmosphere of a loud nightclub you can’t easily escape. The song is about temptation, the thrill of life – especially its bold, reckless side. You can clearly catch the vibe of old Queens of the Stone Age hits – that same dark-toned rock with force and attitude.

The track “Staring At The Sun” presents interesting choices, like a verse that races forward with no brakes and an unexpectedly bright chorus. Meanwhile, “Runaway” is built differently as it gradually builds a mood, carries the listener upward, and by the end delivers a beautiful, almost cathartic guitar solo. Such a striking climax gives a sense of closure and emotional release. Also worth noting is the punchy “Never Felt So Fine,” a real banger in the best sense of the word. It’s all about drive here with a tight rhythm, gripping riffs, and vocals full of force. The track sounds confident and powerful, charging you up for action.

However, the final track “Handle With Care” reveals another side of the duo – with more unexpected melodic twists and rhythmic nuances.
This is one of those cases where it becomes clear that behind them lies serious instrumental experience. Both Rachel and Angie demonstrate the quality and seriousness of their musical ambitions. Still, it feels almost strange to praise musicians for instrumental brilliance, sonic aggression, and emotional boldness. Rachel Brandsness and Angie Lese, with their debut, have proven their ability to bring these qualities to life – creating a world that is both progressive and feminine. The release leaves the impression of a truly solid piece of work – a perfect starting point for discovering Lips Speak Louder. The album’s sound is restrained and concise, but at times it bursts through with power and drive, and that’s a wonderful start. If you’ve been looking for something energetic, emotionally charged, and full of rock ‘n’ roll with female vocals, Lips Speak Louder is definitely something you need to hear.