This Is Our Jam Premieres: Habibi, “Tomboy”

During SXSW next week, nearly 2,000 bands will descend upon Austin to play showcase after showcase to crowds that are hungry for tacos and the next buzz-band sensations. While this accelerated hype machine may be a crapshoot for many deserving bands, Habibi, a Brooklyn-by-way-of-Detroit act featuring four young women, might just be one of the few to rise to the top.

Their new single “Tomboy” (actually a demo to be released on an upcoming cassette), features buoyant vocals, a bumblegum stomp, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. While past all-girl garage bands have made waves (Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls, etc), Habibi is singular in their lack of self-seriousness. “Tomboy” sounds as much like a Saturday morning cartoon theme song as it does riot grrrl anthem, and if Habibi get the attention they deserve, it’ll be because they sound like they’re having a blast. And who doesn't want that, right?