The Donnas Grow Up

By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 26, 2004 12:58PM

Conventional wisdom says that labels are not in the business of artist development anymore. Chicago’s own Wilco is a prime example of what happens when the A&R man says “I don’t hear a single.” And yet artists like the Donnas prove that given the chance, artists will often push themselves to grow and mature into their own identity. Their new album, Gold Medal, releases today just before the band hits the road this fall in a tour that kicks off here next week.

The shorthand description of the Donnas since their inception has been that they’re “a girl version of the Ramones,” an apt description of a band whose three minute, garage punk odes to teenage wastelands were given life by four girls “named” Donna. With each album their sound has evolved and 2002’s Spend The Night saw the Donnas music given the AC/DC-level production it required. With Gold Medal, the lyrics still retain their boys-booze-and-broads focus but the melody lines are far more complex than anything on previous albums. Their first single “Fall Behind Me” acts as a bridge from their pop metal trappings to a 70s boogie rock inspired grooves. Having dropped the “Donnas” monikers and put their own individuality front and center, the band’s move away from the gimmicks of the past guarantees that they’ll have a future.

After a sold-out show at House of Blues on Halloween, the Donnas begin their next tour at the Metro on November 3rd at 6:30 PM with openers The Von Bondies. Chicagoist recommends getting your tickets now as their shows here generally sell out. Also, the first 200 people in the door that night will receive a pass for the MGD After Show Party with none other than the Donnas themselves as DJs.