ATOMIC BLONDE

There's nothing quite like a woman who knows how to rock. Unfortunately, there aren't enough of them, but that doesn't mean they aren't out there. Since the inception of rock and roll, there have been several iconic trailblazers.

As many have learned, it isn't easy following in the footsteps of rock goddesses like Janis Joplin, Chrissie Hynde or Debbie Harry. Success can depend on several things, like the right mix of spunk and sex appeal, the ability to command the attention of an audience, and the talent required to write a song that sticks around long after the band's encore. Somehow, all those elements came together when four women from very different places joined forces in Nashville in 2003.

Starting out, the hard rock quartet, which consists of singer Dacia, guitarist Amber Gold, bassist Danielle Day and drummer Kendra Kayne, called themselves Glass Lily. It wasn't long before they realized that their original choice didn't adequately describe their high-energy, guitar-heavy sound. The girls toyed around with several ideas before someone suggested they somehow incorporate the word 'atomic' into their name. They immediately knew they were onto something. After choosing the second half of the new name, which refers to the hair color of the band's fiery frontwoman, Atomic Blonde was born. As if it were the final piece of the puzzle, the rechristening was just what the band needed. Ever since, the band's profile has been on a steady rise, and after a recent win at a battle of the bands contest at B.B. King's in downtown Nashville, it feels like Atomic Blonde's popularity is contagious.

Like many musicians, the girls hesitate when asked to describe their sound. "People say we sound like Nirvana, Hole, and Black Sabbath," Dacia said, adding that she's thrilled and flattered. "Sometimes we even get Blondie," which is no surprise, considering the similarities between the band names (Blondie even recorded a song called "Atomic") and the color of each vocalists' trademark mane. Though Atomic Blonde has been influenced by each of these, as well as other acts like No Doubt, CKY and Motorhead, their chemistry and execution is completely original. The end result is something that has to be seen to be believed. "People don't know what to expect usually, and they don't really take us seriously if they haven't seen us," Gold said. "When they finally do, they're really shocked. We get up there and rock our asses off." While the cynics may be silenced, certain comparisons are inevitable, despite predominant differences. "Some people say that we remind them of the Donnas, but we sound nothing like the Donnas!" Gold said. "It's just because we're all girls."

They stress that the all-girl thing isn't just a gimmick. "We're not the average girl band," Dacia said, and it's difficult to disbelieve her, even as she admits that starting an all-female band has always appealed to her. "When the four of us first jammed together and no cat-fights broke out, I knew it was right."