Review: Nots – We Are Nots

Nots are a Memphis group crafting synth-laden, class of ’77 baby-bat punk, whose members moonlight in avant-garage bands Ex-Cult and Manatees. Their sound ranges from the post-punk pogo of “Static” to Alexandra Eastburn’s sonic kaleidoscope synth on tracks like “Reactor” and “Decadence,” though these tracks are far from decadent—there isn’t a spare guitar lick here. Singer and guitarist Natalie Hoffman’s art punk screech lashes these tracks with Madison Farmer’s shuddering bass and Charlotte Wilson’s thumpin’ drums. We Are Nots is a thrilling argument for the necessity of female-fronted punk up-starts. –Christian Schultz