We’ve said it before, but Downgirl might be the most exciting thing in Aus punk rock right now.

It’s super rare that a song can embody the emotions of its lyrics, in fact, you could probably count the number of times this happens on one hand (I’m thinking ‘Nangs’ by Tame or ‘Stress’ by Justice’), but that’s exactly what Downgirl have done with ‘CPR’.

The track, which follows the Sydney outfit’s ‘Dig’ and ‘Horsegirl’ singles of last year, feels like someone is holding you down and stomping on your chest. From the get-go we’re hit with staunch drums, fuck-off guitar riffery, punctuated by Alex Neville’s venomous vocals – there’s no room to breathe and they’ve got you right where they want you. Oh, don’t forget about the bass too, the second verse basslines will make your jaw drop and your ears cry tears of joy (yes, that’s a thing).

Lyrically the song is inspired by a horrific experience after an out-of-town show which saw the band escaping a crowd of drugged-up men, arming themselves with a baseball bat, and waiting for daylight. They’ve turned that encounter into an anthem of empowerment, a sonic counterpunch.

“The song reflects the sense of being prey in someone else’s territory,” Neville says of the song. “There’s an unspoken understanding that you’re at their mercy, and many of us know that instinctive awareness of how easily we could become targets of male violence.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBEQYVdAr1Y

The accompanying video clip, directed by Tim Kent, is bloody awesome as well. Linking up with the iconic Dykes on Bikes, and taking over an Inner-West pub, the visuals encapsulate the swagger of the track, and sees the band give individual performances that will make you believe in punk rock again.

If you have anything other than rocks in your head, you’ll be going to Pleasure Club on Saturday to see them live and to witness this track in all its glory. We will see you there. Now go give it a rinsing above!