It is becoming increasingly clear there are as many sides to the riot grrrl stance as there are riot grrrls. To some, it means television show punch-ups, a hate relationship with the press and confused revolutionary slogans. To scene stalwarts God is My Co-Pilot, though, it means trampling over boy-rock enemy lines with grinning positively-telling anyone who'll listen about your lesbian lust and worldly hates with the pop of a toy gun or a dinky tune on your kiddie keyboard.
It's all so relaxed, rather than confrontational that God Is...jump into the first song with guitarist Craig Flanagin burbling into a loud speaker, even though singer Sharon Topper hasn't shown up yet. But she soon emerges, tumbling down the shop's staircase in a cream '60s party frock and sparkly tights, an apologetic smile beaming on her face.
She has fairy queen sweetness of presence, and is inclined to leap around a lot, white singing in French and Spanish with fluttery vocal affectations, over quirkcore tunes that make Truman's Water sound conservative. The music is like a malfunctioning machine, splurting ideas in chaotic coordinates. The punk-jazz absurdities are sometimes perplexing, but always as fun as rummaging in a junkshop for treasures. The best trinkets are the attitude-tuff 'Anyone But You,' catchy continental sing-along 'C'Etait Une J. Fille,' the emphatic 'Straight Not' and a rough-cut 'Woman Enough.'
In short, God Is My Co-Pilot persuade and inspire with joyous, disjointed charm. Revolution guys and grrls that are easy to take to your heart.
Date created: 20 August 1997 Last modified: 20 August 1997