Lips Speak Louder’s debut album Consolation Prize is a punchy, neon-lit rollercoaster through the best parts of late-'90s and early-2000s rock — loud, moody, melodic, and totally unbothered by trends. The Nashville-based duo, Rachel Brandsness and Angela Lese, waste no time making their presence known, pairing massive hooks with fuzzed-out guitars and thunderous drums. Produced by the electrifying Emily Wolfe (who also features on track 3, “Lose My Head”), the album roars with energy and purpose, engineered by Shawn Dealey and mastered by Brian Lucey at Sweetwater Studios.

Opening track “Hype” kicks the door open with a swaggering riff and zero apologies. From there, the band stomps through tracks like “Loser” and “Crush” with the kind of confidence that says, yeah, we know you’ve missed this sound. It’s equal parts gritty and catchy — think Garbage meets The Killers at a dive bar with Queens of the Stone Age on the jukebox. “Runaway,” the album’s focus track, is a full-tilt rock anthem tailor-made for blasting with the windows down, while “Spooky Girl” adds a dash of tongue-in-cheek charm and Halloween-ready theatrics.

What’s most impressive is how big this album sounds coming from just two people. Rachel and Angela’s musical chemistry is undeniable, sharpened by years of experience and a shared love for raw, unapologetic rock. The record has already caught the ears of SPIN, RIFF Magazine, antiMusic, and others — and it’s easy to hear why.

“This record is a throwback to the way rock used to be,” Wolfe says — and she’s right. Consolation Prize is fierce, fun, and fully in its own lane. No gimmicks, no filler — just two women turning it up loud and making damn sure you feel it.