SINGLE REVIEW: Belinda Howard - A 4 Letter Anthem
Belinda Howard’s debut single, 'A 4 Letter Anthem,' is a powerful punk rock tribute dedicated to her father and a rallying cry for ADHD and mental health awareness. The song stems from an email her dad sent her back in 2017, with an attached document titled “A 4 Letter Anthem.” His only comment in the email was, “u may be hate it.” Far from hating it, Howard took those words and, with time, found the right collaborators to bring them to life.
The track criticises the oversimplified solutions often offered to those with mental illness, such as medication and therapy, with Howard questioning whether these methods truly help or merely mask deeper issues. A particularly poignant line, “may as well be on crack,” delivered in an effervescent punk style, challenges the way society often mishandles mental health struggles, pushing people towards a lifetime of medication without real relief.
Musically, the song is a rowdy, unapologetic piece of DIY punk, featuring a spiky, raw guitar solo that adds a dynamic twist to the track’s already potent energy. Howard’s vocals are both powerful and assertive, exuding a sense of taking back control—a rallying cry for solidarity among those who have felt overlooked or dismissed.
'A 4 Letter Anthem' is flamboyant and effervescent, yet underpinned by an unmistakable anger and frustration. It’s unapologetic in its demand to be taken seriously, serving as a bold voice for anyone who has ever struggled with ADHD or mental health issues. This debut not only honours her father's words but also amplifies a much-needed message of awareness and understanding.
