PINKSQUEEZE "Be Gay Have Fun" Review

There ain’t no party like a PINKSQUEEZE party! Chicago based queer indie rock band PINKSQUEEZE gives a musical perspective on the LGBTQ+ experience on their first full length album Be Gay Have Fun. Sandwiched between interludes, the bulk of the album feels like hanging out with friends, talking about everything from relationships to looking back on childhood.

“Straight Girl Crush” feels like a musical with the ensemble vocals, add in some call and response vocals and this is FUN! The lyrics assess the struggle of a queer person trying to figure out if their crush is interested in their dating pool. While the silky, wavy guitar makes this feel like the perfect beach day in a song. Speaking of beaches, the breezy, sunny sound is courtesy of the higher guitar chords and drums featured on “She Sees”. This track takes the form of a pop-rock love song, dedicated to a girl in love with Chicago and loving her for all the little things she does.

With a killer drop that is reminiscent of the opening interlude, “Rainbow Hour” slows down the pace a tad. As one of the softer tracks, there is a rhythmic guitar that brings to mind a classic rock song, and is sure to have the crowd screaming along at a show.

Situationship? Relationship? No matter, we’ve all been on our “Couch to 5K”, taking our time getting into a relationship because “this one is different.” This track has a grungy sound that makes it somewhat anthemic. It’s an honest sharing of what they are and how they want to be better on account of someone else. If things don’t work out, there’s always “Summer in Chicago (I’ll Be Fine)” - a post-break up summer anthem! The catchy, bright and hopeful lyrics discuss the support systems we all have after a split and the support to move through our feelings. This album felt like watching your favorite childhood band movie, and is a stellar introduction to PINKSQUEEZE.

“There’s nothing left to say except… Be Gay Have Fun”

10/10