Gurlz - Gurlz

Review by Fiona Sefton

Gurlz – Gurlz (1982): A Synth-Pop Rollercoaster You Didn’t Know You Needed Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Gurlz, the debut album by Gurlz—a band that somehow managed to mash pop, rock, and electronic vibes together like some kind of musical smoothie from the early '80s. Released in both New Zealand and the UK under labels like RTC and Ze Disc Records, this record is equal parts quirky, bold, and just plain fun. It’s not perfect, but it’s got enough charm to make you go, “Wait… why haven’t I heard this before?” First off, let’s talk genres and styles real quick. If you’re into synth-pop with a side of Pop Rock swagger, this one’s for you. Tracks are driven by Carol Varney’s powerhouse vocals (and drumming—what a multitasker!), Greig Blanchett’s guitar riffs, and Shelley Pratt’s keyboard wizardry. Oh, and shoutout to Debbie Chin on bass for holding down the groove while probably dealing with questionable fashion trends of the era. Now onto the songs themselves. With 20 tracks packed into this bad boy, there’s no shortage of material to sink your teeth into. But two tracks really stuck out to me like neon leg warmers at a disco: “Hotter Than A Chilli Pepper” and “Lick You Like An Ice Cream.” Let’s start with “Hotter Than A Chilli Pepper.” This track is pure fire—literally. The synths sizzle, the beat slaps harder than your ex ever did, and those lyrics? Cheesy as all heck but also kinda genius. Imagine dancing awkwardly at a club in 1982, sweat dripping down your face, trying to pull off moves that look more like convulsions—all while this song blasts through the speakers. It’s impossible not to move to. Plus, who doesn’t love a good food metaphor when talking about passion? Props to Gurlz for keeping things spicy. Then there’s “Lick You Like An Ice Cream,” which might have the most NSFW title ever written in the name of pop music. At first listen, it sounds like something that should’ve been left on the cutting room floor. But give it another spin, and suddenly you realize—it’s catchy as hell. The chorus worms its way into your brain faster than you can say, “Wait, is this actually about dessert?” Spoiler alert: It’s probably not. And yet, here I am humming it three days later. Bravo, Gurlz. Bravo. What makes Gurlz so memorable isn’t just the music itself—it’s the vibe. Listening to this album feels like stepping into a time machine where shoulder pads were king, perms ruled supreme, and everyone thought sticking random Zs in words made them cooler (ahem, “Ze Boyz”). Sure, some tracks feel a bit dated now, but isn’t that part of the charm? As I wrapped up my second playthrough, I couldn’t help but think: If Gurlz had blown up globally instead of fading into obscurity, would we still be quoting their cheeky lyrics today? Maybe. Or maybe they’d be headlining festivals alongside Duran Duran and Eurythmics. Either way, Gurlz deserves a spot in your retro playlist—not because it’s flawless, but because it’s fearless. Oh, and if anyone knows what happened to Carol Varney after 1982, hit me up. I feel like she could’ve run a cult or become a life coach or something.

Artist: Gurlz
Album: Gurlz

2015

Review
About Album
Download
Tracks
Video
Images
Catalog Numbers
Labels
Listen online
Formats
Credits
Notes
Barcodes
About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: gurlz-gurlz.zip

MP3 size: 81.9 mb
FLAC size: 800.1 mb

Download

Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Treat Me Like A Lady Tonight
I Love You Long Time
Shark Song
Ze Boyz	2:52
Rock Your World
Lick You Like An Ice Cream
Cocktail
Out Of Bounds	2:49
Wah Wah Cha Boom Boom
Sextra
This Is Me
What's The Cure	2:46
Relax
Ladyboy Love
More Than A Girl
Six Million Dollar Man
Sad Song
I Love You More Than I Love Myself
Hotter Than A Chilli Pepper
50/50
Pyramid

Video

The Gurlz - Out of Bounds

Images

Catalog Numbers

GURLZ 001
GURLZCD1

Labels

RTC, Ze Disc Records
Cordella Music

Listen online

lyssna på nätet
ouvir online
écouter en ligne
lytte på nettet
escuchar en línea
ascolta in linea
online anhören
kuunnella verkossa
online luisteren

Formats

Vinyl
12"
Mini-Album
CD
Album

Credits

Role	Credit
Bass	Debbie Chin
Drums	Carol Varney
Vocals	Carol Varney
Engineer	Ian Morris, Paul Streekstra
Producer	Ian Morris, Paul Streekstra
Guitar	Greig Blanchett
Keyboards	Shelley Pratt

Notes

Recorded at Harlequinn Studios

Barcodes

Barcode: 5 065002 121028

About Gurlz

Short-lived New Zealand pop group active in the early 80's.

Members

Kim Willoughby
Carol Varney
Greig Blanchett
Debbie Chin
Shelley Pratt

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Gurlz* by Gurlz, released in 1982, was a bold mix of synth-pop, pop rock, and electronic vibes. It came out in New Zealand and the UK, blending catchy hooks with edgy production. What makes it stand out? The band had an all-female lineup, with Carol Varney rocking both vocals and drums, and Debbie Chin laying down basslines. Tracks like "I Love You More Than I Love Myself" and "Hotter Than A Chilli Pepper" still feel fresh today. Plus, the album was produced by Ian Morris and Paul Streekstra, who also engineered it—talk about wearing multiple hats! Fun fact: one of the songs is even called "Lick You Like An Ice Cream." Bold, right?

Comments

ealistello

2025-03-13

Is there a video to go with "What's the cure"? That song was as good if not better than "Out of bounds".

cmaruribe

2025-03-13

Thanks for the memory.
Can’t find my vinyl album Ze Boyz.

gal1matia

2025-03-12

Ahhh the memories! :)

taller98

2025-03-12

Well, well, well. I remember this. I'm playing the Policeman blowing the whistle. All the background extras from Mairangi Players in Auckland. am still pursuing the dream - but am slightly older now!