The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest is the debut studio album by Australian indie rock duo Teenage Joans, released on 13 October 2023 via Domestic La La. Produced by Jarred Nettle, who worked with the duo on their debut EP Taste of Me (2021), the album "indicate[s] a sonic diversity previously unheard of by the band."[2] It was supported by three singles and a national tour from November 2023.[3]
The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 13 October 2023 | |||
Genre | Pop-punk | |||
Length | 40:14 | |||
Label | Domestic La La | |||
Producer | Jarred Nettle | |||
Teenage Joans chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Wall of Sound | 8.5/10[1] |
At the AIR Awards of 2024, the album was nominated for Best Independent Punk Album or EP.[4]
Release and promotion
editTeenage Joans signed to Domestic La La Records in early 2022,[5] and released the lead single "Superglue" on 2 May 2023.[6] On 10 August, the band announced the title and track listing of their debut studio album, with the scheduled release date of 13 October. The cover artwork was designed by Melbourne graphic designer Giulia McGauran.[7] A second single was also issued the same day, titled "Candy Apple".[8] On 22 September 2023, "5 Things I Can Taste" was released as the third single.[9]
In November 2023, the band embarked on a national tour supporting the album.[3]
Composition
editProduced by Jarred Nettle, The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest marks a sonic departure from their previous work, influenced by the sound of 5 Seconds of Summer and Camp Cope.[10] Some tracks like "Ruby Doomsday" and "Moneymoneymoney" include string arrangements and trumpets for the first time by the band.[11]
Some songs were in the works for years before their debut EP Taste of Me (2021) was released – "Honey (And Other Sweet Things)" and "Superglue" were both written in 2019.[11] "Sweet Things Rot" was written by guitarist Cahli Blakers when she was 16, before she had even met her bandmate, drummer Tahlia Borg. Most newer album tracks were written at Borg's house.[11]
Short film
editIn January 2024, the band released their debut short film, a visual accompaniment for The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest. It was directed by Jamie Al Kayyali and stars the duo playing fictionalised versions of themselves, soundtracked by album's tracks. They held premiere screenings in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.[12]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Cahli Blakers and Tahlia Borg.
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Hospital Bed" | 2:01 |
2. | "Honey (And Other Sweet Things)" | 3:23 |
3. | "Superglue" | 3:24 |
4. | "Yoke" | 2:34 |
5. | "Candy Apple" | 3:46 |
6. | "You're Not the President" | 2:45 |
7. | "Sweet Things Rot" | 1:58 |
8. | "Ruby Doomsday" | 3:34 |
9. | "My Dentist Hates Me!!!" | 3:01 |
10. | "Moneymoneymoney" | 3:24 |
11. | "Tennis Skirt" | 3:04 |
12. | "5 Things I Can Taste" | 3:56 |
13. | "Kaleidoscopes" | 3:24 |
Total length: | 40:14 |
Personnel
editMusicians
- Cahli Blakers – vocals, guitar, bass guitar, writing
- Tahlia Borg – vocals, drums, writing
- Emma Luker – strings
- Lewis Tito – trumpet
Technical and promotional
Charts
editChart (2023) | Peak position |
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Australian Albums (ARIA)[13] | 59 |
References
edit- ^ Rice, Adam. "Teenage Joans – The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest (Album Review)". Wall of Sound. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ Varvaris, Mary (10 August 2023). "Teenage Joans Announce Debut Album 'The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest'". The Music. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ a b Fry, Courtney (21 August 2023). "Teenage Joans is bringing candy apple pop-punk to stages in November". Triple J. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
- ^ "2024 AIR Awards Nominees: Genesis Owusu, Cub Sport, RVG, Teen Jesus & More". The Music. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Doria, Matt (29 April 2022). "Teenage Joans usher in a punchy new era with "Terrible", Domestic La La signing". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- ^ "Teenage Joans Release New Track 'Superglue'". Heavy Mag. 5 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
- ^ "Also we'd be crazy not to credit these legends that helped us create our dream alb cover..." Teenage Joans. 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023 – via Instagram.
- ^ "Teenage Joans Release 'Candy Apple' From Upcoming Debut Album". Heavy Magazine. 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ "Teenage Joans Unveil New Track '5 Things I Can Taste'". Heavy Mag. 22 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
- ^ Lochrie, Conor (21 August 2023). "Teenage Joans Announce Australian Album Tour". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
- ^ a b c Blakers, Cahli (12 October 2023). "Teenage Joans Go Track-By-Track On 'The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest'". The Music. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
- ^ Young, David James (19 January 2024). "Teenage Joans Announce Premiere Screenings For Debut Short Film". Music Feeds. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 23 October 2023". The ARIA Report. No. 1755. Australian Recording Industry Association. 23 October 2023. p. 6.