REVIEW: Winona Fighter - My Apologies To The Chef

After a series of strong singles, Nashville based punk trio Winona Fighter are about to release their highly anticipated debut album ‘My Apologies To The Chef’ following their 2022 debut EP ‘Father Figure’, which earned them a dedicated fan base thanks to its energetic, pop-punk sound.

Fronted by the electric multi-instrumentalist Coco Kinnon with Dan Fuson on lead guitar and Austin Luther on bass, the band are on a mission to create punk music that is accessible and accepting to all music lovers that are willing to listen. 

Recent single ‘Attention’ provides an insight into what is expected by their fans to be an impressive debut album from the Nashville punks. This is the band's most political song to date, which Kinnon has said is about issues she personally finds important. Its high energy, pop-punk sound provided an introduction for what should be expected to come from the rest of the album. 

Upon pressing play, it’s evident this album will be a hit amongst pop-punk fans everywhere, with the opening track ‘JUMPERCABLES’ featuring catchy guitar riffs from the get go. If you're a sucker for a catchy pop punk guitar riff, then this album provides plenty. Aside from the perfect mosh pit riffs and drums, the album tackles themes of mental health and politics providing an outlet to sing, or scream, out your anger.

The interplay between the vocals and the rhythmic guitar playing feature prominently throughout the album, especially on tracks like 'Subaru' and 'I Think You Should Leave'. Each one embodies the brilliant pop-punkers sound fully, tackling the listener head on with a forceful upbeat sensibility that's full of joy and vigour.

Powerful songs like ‘HAMMS IN A GLASS’ and ‘I'M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE’ provide excellent breakdowns and incredible vocals from lead Coco Kinnon, who possesses the most perfect pop punk voice. The strength that flows through every song on the album makes it incredibly hard to single out any songs, they all bring pure pop punk perfection to the table. If you are a fan of bands like Paramore and Neck Deep, then there is no doubt this album will be making your playlists. 

Finisher 'DON'T WALLOW' hits all the hallmarks of a classic pop punk album closer, with a more wistful feel that hits those autumnal vibes right in the sweet spot. With grooving bass lines, singalong choruses, wall-of-sound guitars, it's got everything you'd need out of a proper 2006 emo revival band who can and should thrive in the modern alternative era.

Ultimately, the album is full of everything that makes pop punk great - excellent guitar riffs, strong vocals, drums that could have you bouncing for days and extremely catchy choruses. 

The band will be embarking on a US tour in March with their UK debut scheduled for Slam Dunk festival this year. If you are a fan of pop-punk, then this album is worth a listen. Who knows, maybe Winona Fighter could be your new favourite band!

‘My Apologies To The Chef’ will be released on February 14th via Rise Records.

Words: Olivia Hermans

Photos: Winona Fighter