deegie – “Scraps (Cleland)” [Song Review]

Los Angeles-based pop-punk artist deegie releases her new single, “Scraps (Cleland),” a song about a summer fling that turned sour when someone told her he was seeing another woman.

“Scraps (Cleland)” is the first song from deegie’s upcoming EP, entitled EXES. The EP’s genesis occurred when she stumbled across her online journals spanning nearly a decade. The journals encompassed details about casual and serious relationships that were too good not to make use of.

EXES dips into memories, accountability, and the altered perspective provided by time and distance. Each song on EXES will reveal the name of the boyfriend it’s about, i.e., “Scraps” is about a former beau named Cleland.

“Scraps (Cleland)” opens on lurching guitar riffs topped by deegie’s unveiling vocals, imbuing the lyrics with frank authenticity. Vaguely reminiscent of Avril Lavigne, only a bit rawer, it’s one of those voices that’s absolutely perfect for pop-punk, sassy yet melodious enough to be defined as high-spirited.

On the outro, the guitars take on growling heft as deegie struts her plainspoken voice: “I don’t want your fucking stuff.”

Brimming with lyrics that hit like a sucker punch, “Scraps (Cleland)” showcases the impudent vocals of deegie and the oomph of pop-punk.

deegie, photo by Chris Ram

Run Time: 3:26
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Record Label: Independent