When I first saw Gwen Stefani’s video (ahem, No Doubt’s video) for Just A Girl way back in 1995 I can distinctly remember the exact sensation that rippled down that big old QWERTY keyboard and into my tiny little, 11 year old brain. ..

The ‘OH MY GOD, who IS this woman’ sensation. You see, Gwen was totally commanding but not in a sexual way. I mean, she presented as an epic babe but she never capitalised on that (as valuable as that may have been) to make her point. It’s 20 years later and this quality is still a massive anomoly within your standard music video, and yes, within the modern music.

I felt the same thing when I saw Ecca’s video for White Flag months ago. I don’t want to say the sensation was a combination of joy and relief but it was something close. And the fact that the music- like the aesthetic- flirted with 90s punk, numetal and hip hop influences was the icing on the proverbial cake. So now that Gwen’s priorities lie elsewhere (she is a talented fashionista and doting mother but gurl sure ain’t writing any good songs anymore) Melbourne’s very own Ecca Vandal seems primed to pick up her slack.

You’re likely to think this is a big ballbusting bag of hyperbole. My enthusiasm smacks too much of fangirl. You’re right. But just give this new video for Battle Royal a watch and then tell me I’m wrong:

Ecca Vandal is undertaking a residency this month at Melbourne’s Gasometer, performing every Tuesday. Tickets are available at the door.