As John Lydon put it, “Anger is an energy.” Anger doesn’t have to be a destructive force; it can be channeled into creative and productive outlets. No band quite exemplifies this mantra as much as Winona Fighter.
Frontwoman Coco Kinnon stated, “I feel like we’re taught to suppress our anger, whether it’s to do with what’s going on in the world or in our lives, and that’s so lame. Why are we so okay with people being sad and anxious, and not okay with people having an outlet to be angry? That just blows my mind. I think if more people were able to be angry, maybe everyone would be a little happier.”
The Nashville-based band released their debut album, My Apologies To The Chef, on Rise Records back in February 2025. Bassist Austin Luther handled the recording and production, making this a true DIY album.
I’ve always dug it when bands record themselves, as I feel it’s the truest way to hear them for who they really are. There are no Johnny Hitmaker-type producers brought in by a record label to squash a band into a box based on what the producer thinks they should sound like. (Looking at you, Rick Rubin and Michael Beinhorn.)
The album is angsty and raw, the two key ingredients of any punk album, regardless of subgenre. Let’s dig into each track, shall we?
Right from the get-go, “JUMPERCABLES” is an energetic opener reminiscent of Motion City Soundtrack’s debut album.
“You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers” is a riot grrrl-esque tune about an interpersonal relationship that has soured, a situation we’ve all been through. Though aggressive and confrontational, the song is incredibly catchy and poppy.
The album pivots with the third track, “Subaru.” The song is reminiscent of early Alkaline Trio and deals with themes of getting out there and doing your thing, no matter what you may or may not have.
The album then moves into a trio of songs dealing with anxiety and mental health: “HAMMS IN A GLASS,” “TALK,” and “Swimmer’s Ear.”
“HAMMS IN A GLASS” is one of the faster tunes on the album. The frantic music perfectly complements the lyrics about anxiety. “TALK” and “Swimmer’s Ear” both deal with the frustration of being misunderstood in a relationship, situations we’ve all found ourselves in.
“R U FAMOUS” deals with the age-old problem of hangers-on. There’s always someone who wants a piece of what the artist has, and Winona Fighter make it clear: it’s not gonna happen!
“I Think You Should Leave” comes next and is my favorite track on the album. The song is about someone you love hurting you and refusing to take responsibility for their actions. The chorus, “Hope you know I love you, but I don’t really like you,” perfectly sums up how an argument in a relationship can feel.
The lyrics are powerful, real, and hit perfectly. I’ll definitely be adding this song to my rotation.
“I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE” was inspired by a letter Coco wrote to an ex during therapy but never sent. The song calls on the ex to take responsibility for their actions.
“ATTENTION” is a cry for help. People are drowning, and no one is helping. This song perfectly captures the times we’re living in, something that is desperately needed in music today.
“Wlbrn St Tvrn” is named after a venue the band used to play at. The song is a declaration that they’re going to do things their way, regardless of what the guys in other bands think. A perfect fuck-you song.
“Swear To God That I’m (FINE)” deals with trying to convince yourself and others that you’re fine, even as self-doubt, burnout, and anxiety keep creeping into the background.
The album also gets its title from the opening line of this track.
The album then transitions into its darkest track, “Johnny’s Dead.” The song deals with a friend’s substance abuse and the loss that comes with it. Though this person is still physically alive, the person they once were is gone.
The album closes with “DON’T WALLOW.” Taking all the previous songs into account, it’s a perfect closing track. The band tells the listener to keep pressing on and take it all in stride. It’s the message the album truly needs to end on.
There it is: fourteen songs in thirty-five minutes. A perfect number of songs in a perfect amount of time.
The overarching themes of anxiety and toxic relationships are common struggles today, and I’m glad to hear an album tackling these issues. Another plus is that the band maintains its identity throughout the album without any two tracks sounding identical. That’s a rare feat.
Coco has stated that her two main influences are Brody Dalle of The Distillers (a hero of mine as well) and Alanis Morissette. Both influences can be heard in her vocals and songwriting. I truly believe that both Brody and Alanis would be proud to have influenced such an outspoken and angry young woman. I hope they both give the album a listen.
I also hope this album finds its audience and inspires listeners to use music as a tool to deal with whatever the world throws at them.
I personally can’t wait to catch the band live, and I’ll be adding my favorite tracks to my rotation.
The world truly needed this album, and more like it.
Anger is an energy.
