BIOGRAPHY – L7

The early 1990s saw a new alternative scene replace that which had dominated the previous decade, with grunge breaking into the mainstream and paving the way for a new generation of bands. Whilst the 1980s had seen several successful rock groups fronted by women, as well as solo artists such as Joan Jett, the 1990s would see the rise of all-girl bands like Bikini Kill, 4 Non Blondes and L7. The latter were formed in Los Angeles during the mid-1980s singers and guitarists Suzi Gardner and Donita Sparks. After their first bassist left the group they were joined by Jennifer Finch and began to gain notoriety for their attitude. Whilst the origin of the band’s name has been a source of debate, I Wanna Be Me by the Sex Pistols featured the line ‘Don’t wanna be L7.’

The band soon signed to Hollywood-based independent label Epitaph Records and recorded their self-titled debut album, with label owner and Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz acting as producer. The album was released in 1988 and soon afterwards their drummer, Roy Koutsky, was replaced by Demetra Plakas. After signing with Sub Pop, the Seattle label who were responsible for discovering Nirvana and Mudhoney, L7 released their sophomore album, Smell the Magic. But it would be their third album, Bricks Are Heavy, that would prove to be their breakthrough and would see them sign with Slash Records, who was also home to Faith No More. The album became a huge success and spawned the hit single Pretend We’re Dead, whilst the track Shitlist would later be featured on the soundtrack to Oliver Stone’s controversial thriller Natural Born Killers.

Taking a heavier direction for their next release, 1994′s Hungry for Stink saw them team up with producer GGGarth, who had previously worked with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine. The same year, L7 would take part in Lollapalooza, sharing the same stage as Smashing Pumpkins, The Breeders, Green Day and Beastie Boys. During the recording of their next album, The Beauty Process: Triple Platinum, Finch decided to leave the group, forcing Sparks and Greta Brinkman, who would also work with The Debbie Harry Band and Moby. Their sixth and final album, Slap-Happy, was released in August 1999 but failed to gain attention from fans or critics and by 2001 the band had announced that they were on ‘an indefinite hiatus.’