Girls Got Nerve - “Not Just A Girl”

San Diego DIY trio Girls Got Nerve continue their rapid ascent with the blistering new single “Not Just A Girl.” Comprised of Toula Payan (guitar/vocals), Trinity Buck (drums/vocals), and Avery Nelson (bass), the young band quickly made a name for themselves after the release of last year’s debut album Girls Got Nerve! — a scrappy, explosive statement that tore through the local DIY scene and turned heads through pure word-of-mouth buzz and a string of chaotic house shows.

Their sound balances buoyant pop-punk hooks with a thornier Riot Grrrl and grunge-punk edge, and “Not Just A Girl” might be the clearest distillation of that formula yet. The track opens with an ominous alt-rock guitar melody before locking into pulsating rhythms as Payan’s hypnotic vocal delivery slowly pulls listeners into its orbit. Then comes the chorus — a full-force burst of feminist defiance and self-worth that absolutely ignites the song: “You don't like me cuz I'm not just a girl you can throw around/ And you know it too/ Yeah you don’t like me ‘cuz I don’t just look up to you like you’re a god/ ‘Cuz I’m a goddess it’s true…” It’s fiery, cathartic, and packed with enough propulsion to level a room.

Lyrically, the song wrestles with identity, confidence, and refusing to shrink yourself for someone else’s approval. Musically, it’s a tightly wound scorcher that wastes no motion, channeling frustration into something empowering and unforgettable. It’s one of the strongest releases from Girls Got Nerve yet — and another sign that the trio are only getting sharper. We can’t wait to hear what they cook up next. Until then, give “Not Just A Girl” a spin below.