Sound Attitude
Vol. 4, No. 2, February 1994
New York Notebook
Shrieking Violets are three women from New York City who play alternative rock with a punk edge. Described by their label, Broken Rekids, as "if the Slits grew up in Brooklyn and listened to post-John Cale Velvet Underground," these women combine diverse influences, including punk, metal and blues, to create their own sound.
Shrieking Violets began when Stephanie Saddler and Thea K. met in 1990 at Hunter College Radio, where Thea did the heavy metal "Hunter From Hell" show and Stephanie did the punk "Hardcore at Hunter" show. Being the only hard-rock DJ's at a station better known for rap and dance music, the two formed an instant camaraderie, and decided to start an original band with the same hard edge and devoted following as their radio shows. In 1992, the band was completed with the addition of street-tough Tina Lewnes, a drummer with the energy to propel the band into a series of well-received shows.
In the fall of 1992, the band recorded their self-titled four-song EP, which shows the diversity of their talents. The melodic "Do You Remember" has drawn comparisons to groups such as the Who and the Beatles, while "Bad Chinese Food" has an unmistakable early punk sound (MaximumRockNRoll called it "invigorating Ramones-ish powerchord rock"). "War", about the Persian Gulf war, and "That'll Show 'Em" a scathing commentary on self-destructive youth culture, are proof that the band is not only socially aware but an important and unique voice of hard rock today. Produced by veteran New York rocker Mickey Leigh (Rattlers), this record is destined to make waves of tsunamic proportions.
In support of the record, Shrieking Violets have been playing numerous shows, many in the New York area at venues such as ABC No Rio and The Lion's Den, and they are regulars every month at the Continental for "PMS" shows (Punk and Metal Sundays, featuring all-female bands). Other local shows include industry showcases such as the 2nd Annual Independent Music Festival sponsored by New York University, and benefit concerts for Rock For Choice and the Long Island Association for AIDS Care. They have also ventured far beyond home turf to play shows such as the first annual Riot Grrrl convention in Washington D.C., a mini-tour of Ohio, and show[s] in Canada accompanied by radio appearances and press coverage.
Adding to their recognition, Shrieking Violets appear on two compilations. "Bad Chinese Food" is on a promo-only CD put out by the Philadelphia Music Conference, and the Johnny Thunders tribute CD entitled "Born To Lose" (on the new Sky Krebs label) includes Shrieking Violets' recording of "Just Another Girl."
Shrieking Violets have big plans for the future. They are currently putting together brand new recordings with producer Vin Cin at Electric Plant Studios in Brooklyn. Plans are being made for tours of Canada, the Midwest, and elsewhere.
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