Is there a better pairing of kindred spirits than a split seven-inch single featuring Le Butcherettes and Death Valley Girls? We’re hard pressed to think of one. Sure, the interaction is fleeting, but damn is it satisfying. We’ve got Le Butcherettes on side A taking on one of Death Valley Girls’ most cosmic numbers, the kaleidoscopic centerpiece off Under the Spell of Joy album, “The Universe.” Le Butcherettes’ fearless and charismatic mastermind Teri Gender Bender takes the tune into even trippier territories, replicating the original song’s sonic tapestry of synth, sax, and guitars with layer upon layer of vocals. Only the sparse accompaniment of acoustic guitar and modest percussion keeps the song from being fully a capella. It’s a perfect interpretation of Death Valley Girls’ communal and choral aims. On side B, Death Valley Girls offer up a new tune—the deliciously ecstatic “When I’m Free.” Like every great Death Valley Girls song, it’s a celebration of life bolstered by fiery rock n’ roll riffage, spiritual organ, dizzying sax, and Bonnie Bloomgarden’s defiant and triumphant vocals. Suicide Squeeze Records is proud to offer up this meeting of mystical minds on vinyl and digital platforms. The one-time vinyl pressing is limited to 1000 copies (700 on Space Junk Splatter, 300 on Inner Ascension).
credits
released January 18, 2022
"The Universe" performed, produced and mixed by Teri Gender Bender. Le Butcherettes appear courtesy of Rise Records / BMG.
"When I'm Free" written and performed by Death Valley Girls. Produced and mixed by Mark Rains at Station House Studios
Mastering by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering
supported by 15 fans who also own “The Universe b/w When I’m Free”
Quite a departure from the wild territories they ventured into with their major label releases. So far, the greatest thrash metal I've heard released in the 2020's. Plus, it's not everyday you hear Rhea Perlman on a metal record. t0cktock
This singles compilation is as close as we'll get to a new Marked Men album, packed full of their frantic, hooky power pop. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 28, 2018
Hectic, infectious power-pop in the grand TX style of The Marked Men & co., from Riverboat Gamblers/Rise Against members & other notables. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 30, 2016