Junkyard Girls

"With influences such as Cocorosie, Antony and the Johnsons, and Patrick Wolf, Junkyard Girls fronted by Aaron Phipps, gives a unique musical performance. Junkyard Girls is commonly known for their methods in artistic presentation, as well as deep lyrics and captivating vocals. The band’s dramatic performance and songs are rooted deep with social and political commentary" - Nashville for free

Wednesday night Aaron Phipps played the debut show of his solo project, Junkyard Girls, at Bongo Java’s After Hours Theatre. His sound is bred on the keys and occasional autoharp, but for his live performances he is supported by a full band and backup vocals. Junkyard Girls is dark Baroque pop, add electronics, drop the pop.

Aaron is heavy on the drama (familiar from his days in We are the Wind); his hand gestures and extravagant burst of song accentuate solid piano riffs. Aaron rolled onto stage in ripped tights and red hot pants, a little disheveled androgynous mess, and obviously annoyed at Bongo’s 10:45 curfew. He performed the first three songs under the guise of a mustard and maroon masquerade mask the likes of which are appropriate for a Carnival.

I was expecting a six-song emotionally charged singer-song-writer set, and while I got that, he kept it diversified. Aaron’s third song, “Tell ‘em I sent ya,” which he played with an autoharp on his lap, felt more like a sexy samba than something from a writer’s night in the attic of a coffee shop. Two favorites songs were “Phantosmia,” a macabre tune about love, risk and doom, and its antithesis, “Nice to Know You, Sir,” a light melodic doo-wop-pop song.

Junkyard Girls is working on a record Aaron hopes to release in the coming year. You can catch Junkyard Girls at his next Nashville show at the Springwater on January 14 with Spider Friends.

--Victoria Read - The Deli Nashville

Junkyard Girls oozed the quiet drama of Dame Judi Dench as he serenaded the audience with autobiographical ballads about intimacy in its many forms, in addition to some real talk concerning drugs, politics, and aliens. Compared to previous Junkyard Girls shows, it was clear that several of the songs had been revamped a bit, such as “The Intimacy Is Absent,” “Phantosmia,” and “Aliens.” The trusty, “Tell’Em I Sent You” was played with a Latin-infused, bossa feel, created by Phipps on the autoharp, and the dramatic melodic enhancements of Yoder’s violin playing. “Caged Bird,” was a new one, and interestingly enough, sounded like something that came off of Beach House’s second album. Any sort of finalized ensemble formation has been long-awaited, although the acoustic setup was good for Junkyard Girls because it showcased Phipps' voice and lyrics, which seem to be his strong points. -- Erin Manning, The Deli Nashville

- The Deli Magazine

Junkyard Girls were next on the stage. This was my first time to see this band and I was not disappointed. Junkyard Girls' vocals are fascinating. There is a Billie Holiday quality underneath a tremendous passion in the delivery of each song. - Music City Circus