Words By: Bre Offenberger

Pom Pom Squad have released “Head Cheerleader,” which will appear on the band’s forthcoming album, Death Of a Cheerleader, the group’s first album since signing to City Slang Records. The track — bearing resemblance to the angst-laden tracks of Now, Now and holding the co-production of Illuminati Hotties’ Sarah Tudzin — is a deep dive into coming to terms with your sexuality and being proud of who you are.

Even against heavy guitar strums, frontwoman Mia Berrin commands the entire show, remaining calm and collected as she finally finds the courage to let loose the words she’s been scared of: she’s attracted to girls, and she’s OK with saying that aloud. As she recoils back into her mind to make sure she’s confident in her admission, drums bounce around her self-awareness while guitars flutter, accenting her point that she’s finally feeling at home in her own shoes. Her self-reassurance causes her to reveal even more: not only does she have feeling for the cheerleader, but she’s in love with her. The confidence doesn’t stop there, however, as she tells the girl to confront her own mother about how she tells her to stay away from Berrin — implying that she doesn’t respect her sexuality. Despite others’ spiteful remarks, she remains true to herself and continues to proclaim the climax of her self-discovery.

A few seconds of a dreamy xylophone bubble to the surface of the video before the camera pans down to find Berrin lying on the ground before it flashes to her and the rest of the band performing in marching band attire on her high school’s football field. The video constantly moves back and forth to a hazy glimpse into Berrin’s aura, surrounded by vibrant flowers, to her with her arms folded, delivering an exuberant performance even without displaying emotion. No matter where she is, she exudes the confidence of a model posing for a photoshoot, proving how good she finally feels in her own skin. The xylophone pops back in at the end, as Berrin — now sporting long red gloves and a plaid suit — gives a glimpse into the group’s next single.

Of the video, Berrin shares: “The image of laying awake in a grave underneath plastic grass, a painted sky, and flowers growing from these creepy, textured structures seemed to represent what I wanted out of a full length – something fierce and funny, dreamy, dark, queer… I think the video marks a turning point in my project in the same way it marked a turning point in my life. The song is about accepting yourself radically – I think the video explores that through a really fun, campy lens.”

The 14-track Death Of a Cheerleader will hit shelves on June 25 and is sure to be one for the ages. Pom Pom Squad formed out of Brooklyn in 2015 and have since toured with the likes of Soccer Mommy, Pronoun and Adult Mom. Once the pandemic lifts, they’re ready to get back to their path to dominating the world.

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