Cryptic Street first made their mark in August 2012 with the charmingly infectious 80s-tinged pop-rock of Indecisive, which eventually helped them bag them a BMA award for Best Newcomers that same year. Three years on the five young ladies are not only still going strong but, with a new bass player on board, their sound has evolved and they're about to release their debut EP, which we can now exclusively announce will be called Stranger. The launch event, which takes place at Palazzo De La Salle in Valletta on Friday, August 21 (click here for tickets) promises to offer something rather different to the norm. In fact, apart from a live performance by the young ladies, the event will also feature an opening performance from the much-lauded young singer-songwriter Hannah Brown, a screening of a documentary produced by the band and a closing DJ set from I.YOU. As the big day draws closer, the band picked its 10 favourite all-female bands in a MikeBugeja.com exclusive.
1. THE RUNAWAYS
"As a band, they inspired us since they were the first all-female band that rose to relatively mainstream success. It is also an important band since it also gave rise to timeless musicians such as Joan Jett and Lita Ford. In fact, their hit Cherry Bomb was one of the first covers we ever played".
2. WARPAINT
"A band that inspires us due to their laidback style both onstage and as individuals. We are influenced by their dream-drenched, psychedelic music and all five of us absolutely love them".
3. HAIM
4. DUM DUM GIRLS
"Another favourite of ours . While she was in Vienna, Leona attended the gig of a band that happened to be Dum Dum Girls’ supporting act".
5. PUSSY RIOT
"The subjects of their songs...corruption, social injustice and discrimination, are themes that are close to our heart, and topics which we also address in our songs".
6. AU REVOIR SIMONE
"We feel an affinity with this band because like them, the synth sound is a key feature of our sound".
7. STOLEN CREEP
"Fellow Maltese all-female band that we are fans of".
8. FUZZHONEYS
"Another homegrown and talented all-female act".
9. SAVAGES
"A band that inspires us due to the confidence they exude, their feminist attitude, as well as visual style".
10. THE PIERCES
"The Pierces' producer is Guy Berryman, Coldplay’s bassist. Coldplay was also one of the bands that inspired us initially to form the band, and we were very proud that our music video for Indecisive was featured on their website".
Band photo by Mike Mercieca