Photo by Ebru Yildiz
The Violent Femmes
Milwaukee folk-punk act the Violent Femmes is inexorably linked to '90s music, though most casual fans probably wouldn't realize that assessment is technically inaccurate. The group's most popular song, "Blister in the Sun," was actually recorded in 1983 for the band's self-titled debut, but it didn't make its way to every alternative-rock station in the land until the release of the Femmes' Add It Up (1981-1993) compilation in 1993. From there the infectious tune propelled its composers into the international spotlight; a decade later that self-titled album (which also included "Kiss Off," "Add It Up" and "Gone Daddy Gone," each seeing their own share of airplay since the '90s) went platinum. The rest is history.
Except Keep a Drummer: The Violent Femmes' latest, We Can Do Anything, was just released in March. Dresden Dolls drummer Brian Viglione is credited on the album, having joined the band for its 2013 reunion (to the chagrin of former drummer Victor DeLorenzo). Viglione quit the band in January, though, and the group is now touring with John Sparrow on the skins. In any case, expect new songs.
Listen to "Issues," from the new album, below:
Violent Femmes
7 p.m. Thursday, July 14. The Pageant, 6161 Delmer Boulevard. $30 to $35. 314-726-6161.
