CHARLOTTE

David

Black Dresses, Peaceful asHell(2020)

This is the quintessential queer album. Not gonna lie, as hardcore Bowie trash, this was a hard one for me: it was a toss-up between Ziggy and Aladdin Sane. However, the former reigned supreme on the merit of being his precursor era. I’m ashamed to say that I’d never listened to this album in all its glory until recently, but let me tell you — This. Is. A. Masterpiece. If you’ve yet to experience this glamorous, psychedelic, sexy AF rock opera, then you need to rectify that ASAP! With 11 tracks, this album tells the story of Bowie’s titular alter ego, an androgynous, bisexual alien rock star who is sent to Earth as its saviour before an impending apocalypse (detailed on opening song ‘Five Years’). Other noteworthy tracks include ‘Moonage Daydream’, ‘Starman’, and ‘Suffragette City’ - all deliciously queer in their own ways and absolute bops…wham bam thank you ma’am!

Okay, so I know I had to pick a Black Dresses album for this, because most transfems I know are extremely normal about this band. This recommendation does have to come with a disclaimer though, since I know that noise pop and experimental electronic music generally isn’t for everyone. However, if you feel like completely owning your ears, then give these guys a blast. They’re a transfem duo based in Toronto, Canada, who’ve been making music together since 2017. Out of all of their albums, this one is probably the best starter. It’s got noise, sure, but it’s also got catchy hooks and beats you can dance to. As for lyrical and thematic content, the band discusses climate anxiety, a yearning for friendship and connection, and a desire for (inner) peace, among other subjects. To me, this album definitely feels more hopeful and uplifting compared to the rest of their discography, but maybe that’s just me. My favourite tracks from the album are ‘DAMAGE SUPPRESSOR’, ‘MiRRORGiRL’, and ‘CREEP U’, so if you’re not sure about where to start, check those out!