The Dixie Chicks are no more – the band continues, but they are now The Chicks. It’s a move prompted by the same criticism that caused Lady Antebellum to become Lady A a fortnight ago. To the cynical this might sound like tokenism – but consider that this is an abandoning of thirty-one years spent building band recognition. The Chicks are surely also aware that it is a move that will really annoy a swathe of their fan base.
And their new music ‘March March‘ is more than just a dramatic addition to the music of The Chicks. Having taken something of a hit to their fortunes for a brief political comment made on a European stage – Shepherds Bush Empire as it happens – The Chicks have clearly decided to nail their colours more openly to the mast. ‘March March‘ is hard-hitting on a slew of topics – racism, misogyny, equal rights for LGBTQ+, gun crime : “print yourself a weapon and take it to the gun range – ah, cut the shit you ain’t going to the gun range,” and takes onboard that their fan base aren’t all going to like this “half of you love me half already hate me.”
