by Scott Roos
live photos by Melanie Macpherson
Our Grade: B
"Not the One" by Saskatoon's Dead Ex Girlfriends, is a fiery, emotionally charged, gritty, punk rock anthem . With raw, emotional vocals from Vada Boyer, the song captures frustration and defiance, centered on the theme of being misinterpreted as someone’s emotional outlet rather than a partner. Boyer’s performance is a standout, delivering the lyrics with a mixture of anger and vulnerability that hits hard. Alongside Boyer, bringing the thunder in he instrumental aspects of the song, are Gabrielle Giroux (guitar), Siena Rose (drums), and Cairo Dawn (bass)
Speaking of the sonics, "Not the One" draws clear influences from 90s grunge and riot grrrl bands like 7 Year Bitch, L7, Hole, and Bikini Kill, making its raw energy and rebellious attitude a defining feature. The riff, however, follows a standard sounding three chord slow-chugging power chord progression. While it captures a punk rock or grunge ethos, it's not exactly reinventing the wheel in terms of sound or innovation - nor arguably should it.
The song's emotional depth and the band's unfiltered energy make “Not the One” a stand out. The relatable lyrics tap into a common frustration and the track’s defiance in response ("I’m not the one") hits home. At the end of the day, Dead Ex Girlfriends bring a unique perspective to the Saskatoon music scene, blending personal and cultural reclamation of voice and space into their performance.
Though "Not the One" might not break new ground musically, it remains a potent statement. The combination of passionate vocals and a relatable message makes it a memorable and powerful track, reinforcing the band’s commitment to bold, emotional music.
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