New album review: Winona Fighter tests the boundaries of pop punk

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If you’re still fond of the energetic pop-punk style that Stand Atlantic was known for in their mid-teen years, before they transitioned to harder music, then Winona Fighter could quickly become your favorite up-and-coming band.

If you’re a fan of Stand Atlantic’s recent style, I believe you’ll find yourself smitten with Winona Fighter too. If you haven’t heard of Stand Atlantic yet, I can’t guarantee anything, but I strongly suggest giving Winona Fighter a listen. Their debut album, My Apologies to the Chef, certainly deserves your attention.

Winona Fighter is a pop-punk band consisting of three members, but for live performances, they often include a fourth member so that Coco Kinnon can step out from behind the drums and perform upfront. Originally hailing from Boston’s vibrant punk scene, Kinnon relocated to Nashville several years ago. In Tennessee, she collaborated with guitarist Dan Fuson and bassist Austin Luther, aiming to inject a punk vibe into a city known for its top-tier musicians.

Winona Fighter demands attention

Kinnon pointed out that the local music scene in Nashville seemed to be missing the collaborative spirit that’s inherent in grassroots punk movements. She suggested it might be because Nashville is excessively competitive. However, Kinnon, Fuson, and Luther are working towards fostering that camaraderie in Nashville themselves.

Apologies to the Chef continues the band’s musical journey after their debut EP, Father Figure, dropped in 2022. The initial three tracks – “Wlbrn St Tvrn,” “Subaru,” and “You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers” – were re-recorded for the album, along with twelve other tunes, some of which have been previously released as singles throughout the past year. In total, Winona delivers 14 tracks in just 36 minutes. While I have my favorites, there’s no room for redundancy.

The three tunes from the album serve as a boundary for the band’s music style. The track “Subaru” falls under the category of crunchy pop-punk, veering more towards the pop side. Lyrical-wise, it expresses an emotional appeal for freedom.

Wlbrn St Tvrn,” on the other hand, represents a different side – sprouting directly from Kinnon’s punk origins. It also tackles one of Kinnon’s main lyrical themes, namely anger and exasperation. From the very first verse, she makes it evident what her stance is.

It seems like things aren’t going well – I find your actions overestimated – I don’t think you excel at what you do, perhaps spending time reflecting or pursuing personal interests…” (Regarding the next lyric, please ensure that any references to specific platforms or brands align with our current guidelines.)

Your appearance reminds me of Phoebe Bridgers when she’s had too much to drink, and for those familiar with Stand Atlantic’s debut, this could be the most authentic representation of that influence. It’s bold and fiery, yet it also has a catchy tune that’s almost impossible not to hum.

The peak performance of Winona Fighter seems to be showcased predominantly throughout their debut, which is fortunate. The lead track “JUMPERCABLES” encapsulates this perfectly as it’s both anthemic, with its mix of raw and melodic elements.

“In a Glass” kicks off with Kinnon’s pounding drumbeat, marking their initial foray into punk music. “Talk” follows suit, amplifying the resentment against pretentiousness. “Are You Famous?” appears later and delves deeper into the heavier realm of pop punk.

Kinnon aims to share the punk spirit and camaraderie she cherished in Boston with a broader group, and on tracks like “Are You Famous?” and “I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE,” she delivers perfectly. The latter song seems poised for success, exploring the relatable theme of expressing all your ex’s flaws to him. In “Johnny’s Dead,” Fuson’s edgy guitar riff initiates a powerful rock ballad that maintains the album’s momentum until the very end.

Winona Fighter finds solid footing when they delve into their punk-inspired music, yet their more melodic tracks also hold their ground independently. Kinnon acknowledges Foo Fighters as a significant influence, while Fuson expresses his early fascination with British metal. Luther, who works on the band’s production and engineering, admires U2’s Adam Clayton for his ability to powerfully play the bass from behind while the rest of the band captivates the audience upfront.

As a music enthusiast, I find Kinnon, Fuson, and Luther an unexpectedly harmonious trio, much like the Foo Fighters, Iron Maiden, and U2. On their debut album, they effortlessly switch between poppier and punkier tones, yet consistently deliver high-octane rock music, just as these iconic bands each embody a solid foundation of melodic hard rock.

Over the past few years, Winona Fighter has been garnering a fanbase on the festival scene, gracing stages at events like Bonnaroo, SXSW, and Riot Fest. In June, they’ll join Ontario’s All Your Friend’s Fest lineup, sharing the stage with Simple Plan for several shows. Additionally, they will spearhead their own tour across the Spring and Summer.

For those unfamiliar, Stand Atlantic is an outstanding Australian pop-punk band led by Bonnie Fraser. If you’re a fan of Winona Fighter and enjoy their music, I’d recommend giving Stand Atlantic a listen.

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2025-02-21 00:00