Gecko (Album Review)

Alice Ruby McDonald

(she/her)

“You’re a Prick” the femme trio Gecko take on the world of misgyony in a holy matrimony of funk and punk

As the only female rhythm section players in a sea of male first years, Mia Rowland, Uyen-My Pham and Ashleigh Howell bonded over their love for all things music and found an undeniable connection between them. Within months, ‘Gecko’ was born.

It was Mia’s diary of frustrated teenage scribbles that really set off the tones for Gecko’s music and as the threes relationship grew stronger, their jazz backgrounds and driven views created a funk and punk sound - almost sacrileges to some. I’ve been a huge fan since I saw them in 2019, listening to them as they wailed, screamed and soothingly delivered raw emotions of their angst ridden songs - whilst maintaining their fun quirkiness. 

I had the pleasure of speaking to the three to discuss their much anticipated debut album release ‘Miss.’

The girls’ may seem intimidating on stage, but in reality they are just a wholesome bunch of gals with a lot of love and passion in their hearts. With ‘Miss’ opening track being ‘Prick’ they get straight to the point in their storytelling. Inspired by the likes of PJ Harvey, the jazz school girls find solstice in the bluntness of their lyrics, especially their titles. 

Speaking of influences, Gecko’s songwriting creativity is one of collaboration, drawing on an image of a worse-for-wear Barbie in a Melbourne alleyway for the track ‘Decapitated Dolls’ or by Uyen-My coming up with a noun and adjective for the track ‘Groovy Chair’. 

Produced by Adriano Puscino, ‘Miss’ has a raw energy that is intimate and natural. Mia, unsure whether she had the confidence to sing behind the drums, has a distinct tonal sound that is welcomed and grunge-induced. Uyen-My on guitar has the coolness of her jazz stylings and voicings and an angelic purity to her voice - a dichotomy to the overall tone and lyrics of the music and Ashleigh on bass is truly the groove meister, really channeling the funk in a setting you least expect it. 

‘Miss’ is as real as Mia’s teenage scribbles, it’s rough around the edges but in a way that creates a camaraderie to their journey and story. They’re now ready to dive right back into writing in their collaborative and creative style - with a new found confidence to twist the genre narrative. I give the debut 4 stars. 

Check out Gecko’s debut album ‘Miss’ here. 

And while you’re at it, follow their gram to keep up with gigs and merch @gecko.band