“Dumb Blonde”
The Brooklyn-based multitalent Carina Allen has released a new single and video under her project rlyblonde. The track, “Dumb Blonde,” was released on May 10, and the video May 16. Pop-punk beats and distorted guitars are mixed with clever lyrics to create something overwhelmingly catchy, like an earworm that wiggled into your brain and set up camp. Allen has spent years as a photographer, videographer, and creative director in New York’s indie scene. In 2023, she launched rlyblonde with the EP “Fantasy.” Over a year later, her repertoire boasts 5 self-directed videos, and now her newest single.
Opening on a crispy drum beat and what can only be described as the startup sound of a cassette player on a spaceship, something about “Dumb Blonde” is immediately nostalgic. Allen’s vocals and a gritty, distorted guitar cut in, playing off of each other through the first verse. Both lines explore their darker colors, hinting at a familiar angst when something’s not quite right under the surface. Lyrically, Allen is trying to silence her inner saboteur, forever trying to convince her she’s always one step away from it all falling apart. But just as the tiny voice is starting to win, Allen decides she might as well enjoy it, even if just for tonight.
Similar to the build-up in the beginning of the track, a harmonic, vocal crescendo kicks off the chorus. Suddenly, Allen’s voice has jumped towards the top of its range, soaring over the instrumental line. The rhythm and lead guitar melt together, the bassline pushes the beat forward, and the drums lean into the glimmer of the high hat. In contrast to the tight give and take present in the opening verse, the chorus provides a release for the tension, opening up the track.
The second verse is a bit more subdued, and the guitar lines have moved behind Allen’s vocals. But the self-doubt still swirls around despite her attempts to quell it with partying and her “best behavior.” Finally, she surrenders, crying out, “Hands in the air I’m just a dumb blonde, baby.” This time, it switches over to the chorus without the harmonic crescendo as accepting uncertainty has provided the openness and emotional release she needs. A short instrumental break with swirling backing vocals, with some edge in the lead guitar, but heavy distortion in the rhythm guitar, swims over the listener. After one more round of the chorus, a gentle and quick fade brings the song to a close.
The accompanying video for “Dumb Blonde,” directed by Allen, brings all of the camp and delightful imagery that anyone could ever want. It mirrors rlyblonde getting ready for a video shoot and a mysterious man who’s been plotting to kidnap her. As she gets ready for the day, her life feels like a cross between Clueless and But I’m a Cheerleader - complete with toast featuring rlyblonde’s face, a joint filled with Nerds candy, and a glittery, pink skirt suit. It’s a heightened version of reality, with oversaturated, bright colors accompanied by rlyblonde waking up with perfect make up and sometimes looking directly into the camera.
The mystery man, representing her inner saboteur, captures her and drags her to the roof, leaving her tied up while he plays in her wigs and dresses. Finally, she breaks free, overpowering him to regain control of the situation. Just as everything seems fine, she trips over the rope, knocking herself out. As the video wraps up, rlyblonde is back in bed, hinting this might have been a dream, before a bloody hand smacks her in the face.
Rlyblonde will be playing around NYC this summer, including a show with Razor Braids on June 6 at Baker Falls. Make sure to give her a follow!
