It’s a well-known if infrequently discussed phenomenon: From a young age, girls are taught to shave, tone, tighten, cover up, accessorize, tweeze, squeeze and otherwise contort their way to acceptance. That’s one subject of Palehound’s message to listeners that’s particularly transparent in recent single “Healthier Folk.” In the song’s music video, guitarist and singer Ellen Kempner expresses her displeasure with these societal pressures, pairing an exasperated tone with imagery that portrays imposed hygiene routines in unflattering ways. The Boston-based musician says she began writing songs in elementary school as a way to impress people between social struggles. She calls her 2015 album Dry Food “a snapshot of a weird time for me, where I was transitioning” and cites Asheville singer-songwriter Angel Olsen as an influence. Opening for Nashville rockers Bully, Palehound plays The Mothlight Sunday, Jan. 24, at 9:30 p.m. $10/$12. themothlight.com. Photo by Chad Kamenshine
Smart bets: Palehound
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