A three-girl punk band from Glasgow in Scotland, Pink Kross were discovered by Bill Bartell: the Californian who has spent two years putting together the Germs tribute album (which features 1992's cut "The Holez" by Courtney Love and onetime Germ Pat Smear). Bartell was also the man who "broke" cult group Shonen Knife.
Now, with a single playing on the UK's Radio One and an upcoming Peel session to be broadcast in February, it can be revealed that Vic, Jude and Geraldine had never played a note together when Bartell met them at this year's Phoenix Festival. (He was with Hole's entourage). But so impressed was he by their special enthusiasm, he told Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore about them. Come Sonic Youth's set, Moore booms out from the stage: "This one's for Pink Kross from Scotland: they're here to rock!" And what better way for a punk band to be born?
Meanwhile, if you're near Glasgow -- or you're a fan of the Glasgow gurrrl scene whch features bands like Lungleg (or even excellent new non-lass bands like Mouth Music -- check this stylish trio out live on 13 February at The Note. Or: purchase their loveable seven-inch directly from Bouvier Records, Pink Kross Doll House, 14 Kensington Gate, Glasgow G12 9LG Scotland UK or Rough Trade Shop, (UK) 71-229-8541. Entitled "Punk Or Die", they describe it as "more pogo than ponie" and the tracks included are: 'Drag Star Racin' Queen' (Inspirational Verse: "My baby's not comin' back/I gave him a heart attack'), 'No Time For Bimbo', 'I'm Gonna Kill Yer Valentine', 'Pussycat A-Go-Go', and 'Punk Rock Riot'.
The second punch, just out, is a fuzzier Gasatanka (US) single, entitled "Beg Beat Jesus Cheat". B-side: "Not Comin' Back" and...
Chopper Chix (From "Teenage Hell")
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Geraldine ("monster bass") is unemployed, Jude ("meanfuzz guitar") is working and Vic (vocals, "primeval drums") is very busy just now at university. So: help three struggling girls -- insist on these quality records today!
PS for Spanish readers: Pink Kross also have a record out in Spain. And The Germs' tribute album, so long in the making, will actually be forthcoming from Hunkatanka Records in Moreno Valley, California. Out already is Love and Smear's "The Holez", which is a split 7". The other side: "The Monkey Wrench" by Mark Arm of Mudhoney.
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