Album Review: Here's What Blondshell Would Do 'If You Asked For A Picture'

Alternative-rock and grunge artist Sabrina Teitelbaum released her sophomore album If You Asked For A Picture under the moniker Blondshell on May 2. The 12-track project provides poignant commentary on identity, societal expectations, and growing up. Teitelbaum named the record after a 1986 poem by Mary Oliver titled "Dogfish." In the poem, Oliver grapples with how much of one's story to expose to the public. Teitelbaum tows this line on the album by blending raw honesty and self-awareness.

She opens the album with the candid track "Thumbtack." A mesmerizing acoustic guitar flows through her introspective and achy lyrics. The listener witnesses Teitelbaum contextualize how she treats herself compared to a distressing relationship she has with someone else. Lyrics like, "A dog bite, you distract / From what's worse, so I will let you / Keep a ball chain on my leg / Keep fucking with my head / 'Cause it's not as bad as what I do to myself" depict her putting up with discomfort to avoid facing deeper personal issues. A steady drum beat mirrors the feeling of the throbbing head that has to deal with these challenging situations. This song establishes an overarching theme of self-discovery as pangs of realization unmask more of this inner dialogue throughout the rest of the album.

Standout track and single "23's A Baby" questions the typical family timeline with an added lens of wisdom that comes with age. The repetition of the phrase "23's a baby / Why'd you have a baby" in the chorus examines the idea that the never-ending quest of figuring out and taking care of oneself continues past the typical age of having children, making the immense responsibility of a child seem impossible to add. The emotional depth in the distorted guitar instrumentals, harmonies, and punchy lyrics serve as a form of cathartic release and a plea for everyone to self-reflect before making significant life decisions.

Photo Credit: Daniel Topete

Tucked in the middle of the album is the tender track "Event of a Fire." Teitelbaum cleverly uses fire protection protocol as a metaphor for dealing with burnout. She sings, "Take the stairs in the event of a fire / What if I'm burnt out," to point out how typical methods of escape and safety may not be accessible as each person is at a different part of their journey. Lyrics like "Part of me is still getting all of my haircuts for someone else" and "Part of me still sits at home in a panic over fifteen pounds" refer to self-destructive behaviors and habits from one's formative years that stick with you as you age. A rock rhythm kicks in in the second verse, evoking a nostalgic angst that transports the listener back to when they were sixteen. Teitelbaum dares listeners to reexamine their current situation through the eyes of their past selves, perhaps creating a more forgiving and conductive space for reflection.

"Maybe it’s just the nature of being two years older, but I’m more comfortable with nuance now, and I’m more comfortable with gray areas,” shared Teitelbaum in a press release.

It is clear she conquered the fabled 'sophomore album curse' with ease, putting a genuine curiosity at the forefront of each track. Teitelbaum is about to embark on the If You Asked For A Tour, stopping at Boston's Royale on June 19. The show may be sold-out, but you can sign up for the waitlist here.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

5/2/25 - Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever (Album Release show) - Los Angeles, CA #

5/28/25 – Belly Up Tavern – San Diego, CA ^

5/30/25 – The Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA ^

5/31/25 – August Hall – San Francisco, CA ^

6/2/25 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR ^

6/3/25 – The Showbox – Seattle, WA ^

6/6/25 – Soundwell – Salt Lake City, UT ^

6/8/25 – Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO (Venue Upgrade) ^

6/11/25 – Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN *

6/13/25 – Metro – Chicago, IL *

6/14/25 – Skully's Music Diner – Columbus, OH *

6/16/25 – Phoenix Concert Theater – Toronto, ON * (Venue Upgrade)

6/17/25 – Theatre Fairmount – Montreal, QC *

6/19/25 – Royale – Boston, MA % (Venue Upgrade)

6/20/25 – Brooklyn Steel – New York, NY % (Venue Upgrade) SOLD OUT

6/21/25 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA %

6/24/25 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC % SOLD OUT

6/26/25 – Orange Peel – Asheville, NC %

6/27/25 – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA %

6/28/25 – Basement East – Nashville, TN %

# support from Draag

^ support from Jahnah Camille

* support from Meg Elsier

% support from Daffo

EU/UK TOUR DATES

7/10/25 - Madrid, ES @ MadCool Festival

7/12/25 - Trancin, SK @ Pohoda Festival

7/13/25 - Vienna, AT @ Wiener Stadthalle &

9/2/25 - Dublin, IE @ Button Factory + (Venue Upgrade)

9/4/25 - Manchester, UK @ New Century +

9/6/25 - Glasgow, UK @ QMU + (Venue Upgrade)

9/7/25 - Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club +

9/8/25 - Bristol, UK @ SWX +

9/10/25 - Brighton, UK @ Chalk +

9/11/25 - London, UK @ Electric Brixton + (2nd Night Added)

9/12/25 - London, UK @ Electric Brixton + SOLD OUT

9/14/25 - Lille, FR @ L’Aéronef#

9/15/25 - Paris, FR @ Le Trabendo #

9/17/25 - Brussels, BE @ Botanique #

9/18/25 - Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso Tolhuistuin #

9/20/25 - Hamburg, DE @ Reeperbahn Festival

9/21/25 - Copenhagen, DK @ VEGA #

9/23/25 - Berlin, DE @ Hole44 #

9/25/25 - Cologne, DE @ Helios37 #

& with Queens of the Stone Age

+ support from Westside Cowboy

# support from Francis of Delirium