“It’s a bad day to be an ice cream cone…”

Reviewed by Veronika van der Walt.

After Agatha is a South African femme-fronted power pop band from Johannesburg, fuelled by hooky melodies, driving rhythms and introspective lyrics. Their sound carries a 90’s attitude reminiscent of Garbage and No Doubt, yet with a distinctly modern edge.

The intro immediately grabs your attention — that playful, almost nostalgic melody (like an ice cream truck tune) draws you in before the song explodes into punchy drums and gritty guitar riffs. The guitars are bright and layered with a subtle crunch that gives the song its energy, while the drums drive the rhythm forward with precision and power. The bassline ties everything together, giving the track its backbone.

Vocally, the performance is confident, expressive, and perfectly matches the lyrical bite of the song. The lead singer’s tone balances sweetness and sarcasm — you can feel the frustration behind the catchy chorus. Her delivery has that raw, effortless cool that makes you want to sing along while throwing side-eye at anyone who’s ever underestimated you.

I could picture the story unfolding like a short film: a teenage girl refusing to be pacified with empty gestures. The title “I don’t want ice cream, I want respect” becomes a bold statement of self-worth — and the slogan, “It’s a bad day to be an ice cream cone,” is pure genius.

Musically, it’s catchy, punchy, and perfectly produced for radio play. I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up in a female superhero movie soundtrack — it has that same rebellious sparkle as Hole’s Celebrity Skin.

Awesome song, After Agatha! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s clever, empowering, and unapologetically fun.

Listen ‘I Don’t Want Ice Cream, I Want Respect!’ here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/afteragatha/i-dont-want-ice-cream-i-want-respect

Follow After Agatha here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afteragathaband/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afteragathaband/