In a time warranting strong and bold voices, Winona Fighter leads the way with their candid debut album, MY APOLOGIES TO THE CHEF. This is the band’s first big project, and second body of work since their 2022 debut EP, Father Figure. Vocalist and frontwoman Coco Kinnon, lead guitarist Dan Fuson, and bassist/producer Austin Luther unleash a colorful storm of pop-punk excellence onto the Nashville music scene and beyond. Their committed message that anger, grief, and spite should always have a place in art makes them stand out among the rest.
I feel like we’re taught to suppress our anger, whether it’s to do with what’s going on in the world or in our lives. And that’s so lame.
– Coco Kinnon
Piecing together the 14-track album consisted of numerous thoughtful studio sessions, some of which the band re-recorded tracks from their EP (“Subaru,” “You Look Like A Drunk Phoebe Bridgers,” and “Wlbrn St Tvrn”). The core value behind combining these and the 11 new tracks was to compose a story of unapologetic emotion. On the process, Kinnon shares:
[It] was a dream scenario. It was just me and Dan and Austin in our home studio from pre-production to sending it off for mastering. I couldn’t think of a better introduction of the band…It’s raw.
While each track contributes a fresh take on pop-punk, five took the spotlight with their powerful lyrics and imagery.
“HAMMS IN THE GLASS”
Opening with a suspenseful filtered intro, this track bursts with fiery spirit: “Got pulled over and I’m getting closer to blowing my fucking brains.” While navigating maze-like chaos, Kinnon offers an unfeigned take on what to do when nothing seems to be going right; sharpen those knives rather than play nice. It feels as though some otherworldly source is cursing her, but does she really want to know if that’s true? Over a race-pace rhythm, the final chorus builds into a grand finale, adding layers of shouting to the lead vocal.
“SWIMMER’S EAR”
“SWIMMER’S EAR” stars some Y2K elements and Kinnon’s admirable vocal stability (especially in the bridge). Though more subdued and chill, fit for casual listening, the lyrics remain sharp, discussing the difficulties of confrontation. Sometimes the biggest obstacles are on the inside, only hurdled when standing in front of the mirror. Kinnon prays for numbness after repeating the same mistakes, giving a voice to her darkest, most taboo feelings. Traversing the vastness of shadow work or something similar can be painful and head-ringing, much like a swimmer’s ear.
“I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE”
Here, everything is laid on the table- or the therapist’s couch. As the title suggests, Winona Fighter is not in the business of placating harmful people. Over a shredding electric guitar, Kinnon calls out an abusive man and common excuses for bad behavior, such as blaming their mother. She forces this person to “look [at] what they’ve done,” repeating the phrase several times. It is hard to have any sympathy for someone who “pay[s] to lie in therapy” about their detrimental vices. Supporting vocals from the male bandmates convey a small gesture of allyship in the context of the track. Ultimately, this searing song gives a voice to women’s stories under the patriarchy.
“Swear To God That I’m (FINE)”
“Swear To God That I’m (FINE)” is anthemic with a memorable cadence and melody. This track offers contrarian commentary on the expectation to remain perpetually composed. Simply put, it’s unhealthy and unrealistic. Kinnon notes that insecurity can run so deep that life begins to feel hopeless. Why try to keep up with society’s standards of not being “the problem” or a “primadonna” if it can so quickly turn into “dreams of traffic”? As the track ends, the word “fine” repeats in various tones, similar to how people dismissively say it when deep down, they’re not.
“Johnny’s Dead”
Particularly personal, Kinnon indicts this said “Johnny” through a vivid, belting melody. It is hard to recognize this person who refuses help, wallowing in a darkness that once was not there. “Johnny” was known as an unbothered, loving individual, now angry and lonely. As harrowing as it is to recognize that a loved one is struggling, sometimes the right thing to do is close the chapter with that person. Perhaps suggesting “Johnny’s Dead” provides some level of closure, releasing the weight of responsibility.
Throughout MY APOLOGIES TO THE CHEF, Winona Fighter tackles challenging subjects head-on, showing that anger can be brave and noble. They channel vintage punk elements refreshed by crisp arrangements and vivacious vocals, setting the bar high for the coming years of their artistic journey.
A pillar of Winona Fighter’s brand is their energetic live performances. Since the album’s release in February, the band has been touring the United States, with the first leg in the West Coast and Midwest. Missed the dates? Don’t worry. The second leg of “The ‘Yes, Chef’ Tour” kicks off on May 31st in Bethlehem, PA, continuing up and down the East until July 20th. For more information on tickets, visit Winona Fighter’s official website, and consult the dates below:
To support Winona Fighter’s growing success, stream MY APOLOGIES TO THE CHEF now available on Spotify and Apple Music.