When we started brainstorming bands to invite into the studio for our annual Back to School episode, it didn't take long for the entire Local Show team to unanimously land on Bruise Violet. With two of their members still in high school, this raw and rebellious punk trio have been blazing their own path through the Twin Cities scene.

Taking their name from a Babes in Toyland song, Bruise Violet embrace many of the aesthetic contradictions of the early '90s grunge and alt rock era—like vocals that can shift on a dime from sweet to torturous, and songs that sound deceptively ramshackle despite being laced around smart melodies and knowing lyrics. The trio reported for duty with their vocal cords warmed up and their Doc Martens laced tight.

The band just released their debut EP, Survival of the Prettiest, and played three tracks from that release for this studio session. They also chatted with David Campbell about their experience meeting at a local rock camp for girls, their feelings on high school, and their mutual admiration for Babes in Toyland.

These are sharp young women who can go from from gushing about dogs and guinea pigs one minute to delivering thoughtful dissertations on the pitfalls of riot grrrl-branded feminism the next. Naturally, we were all smitten with them.

Songs Performed

"Maybe You're the Problem"
"Wasted"
"Sketchy Jeff"

All songs off Bruise Violet's debut EP Survival of the Prettiest.

Hosted by David Campbell
Produced by David Campbell
Engineered by Mike DeMark
Web feature by Andrea Swensson

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