In the year 2009, music moves faster than the speed of sound.

Every day albums leak, and new bands have their day in the spotlight on a blog or a YouTube video. There is always a new “buzz band” that rises to fame because of good press on indie music websites. A good review on the very critical sites can make or break a band; in other words, music moves at the speed of sound now.

It is pretty common for the bands to see some moderate success and die out after a new band takes their spotlight. The problem is usually that the bands don’t have much going for them other than the hype.

Recent “Internet-approved” band Girls have seen plenty of good press lately, and I believe they have a lot more going for them than just good buzz. They have real songwriting and pure talent.

Girls was started by Christopher Owens and Chet White in San Francisco. Christopher Owens’ upbringing had a large impact on the lyrical content and emotions that run through the album. Owens is the singer, guitarist and main songwriter of the band. His life was not an easy one, and that is reflected through his music.

Owens grew up in a religious cult called the Children Of God, where females such as Owens’ mother were often forced into prostitution to raise money. The cult refused to help Owen’s brother who was sick with pneumonia because they didn’t believe in medical attention. His brother died as a result, causing Owens’ father to leave.

Owens eventually left the cult himself, but only to experience more heartbreak. He struggle led to settle into a home or keep a girlfriend. Owens became addicted to pills as a result. With nowhere else to go, he finally found his meditation: music.

While his lyrics may be dejected and miserable, they are not “emo.” He is not simply whining about a harsh breakup (which he does cover). He is also singing about conquering a troubled childhood and overcoming a troubled journey that we all call life.

Although the lyrical content may be sad, it doesn’t really damper all the songs. Girls’ songs sound as if they come from the San Francisco scene, with bright, sunny pop songs. Owens sings like a ’60s songwriter, such as Elvis Costello, on songs like “Laura” and “Big Bad Mean Mother Fucker.”

The guitars are cleanly tuned, with Chet White’s baselines complementing them fruitfully. The band hits the sunny harmonies of The Beach Boys, while also conquering a garage rock sound that comes naturally.

“Album” has a wide variety of songs, from the more poppy songs (“Lust For Life”) to songs with an alternative rock style (“Morning Light”). It is an album that has diverse types of songs, which allow for an enjoyable listen. The songs are poppy but not in the mainstream sense. Rather, they are songs that anyone can dig into with enough time and patience.

Everything about Girls comes together full circle with “Hellhole Ratrace.” It is a long seven-minute song that elevates to new heights with each passing minute. Owens lyrics here are powerful enough to make even the happiest man reflect on life, questioning if anyone is really happy. The song is heartbreakingly good and is probably the best place to start when beginning to listen to Girls.

Girls’ songs are honest and personal, the production is well done, but lo-fi when it needs to be. Owens is a real songwriter, with real talent. Sure he may have problems, but they are real problems – more real than anything your bound to hear on the radio anytime soon.