History
Girls Against Boys
Girls Against Boys is a post-hardcore band that originated in Washington D.C. in 1988 and is now based in New York City. The group initially formed as a side project involving Eli Janney and Brendan Canty, the drummer for Fugazi. Canty soon departed, and by 1991, Janney had assembled a new lineup featuring Scott McCloud, Johnny Temple, and Alexis Fleisig, all former members of the D.C. hardcore punk band Soulside.
Musical Innovation and Early Success
The band is particularly recognized for its distinctive use of dual bass guitars, a relatively uncommon feature in rock music. Their second album, Venus Luxure No.1 Baby, released in the early 1990s, is considered a significant contribution to the post-hardcore genre, blending heavy elements with nuanced arrangements. Their subsequent album, Cruise Yourself, further elevated their profile, notably with director Kevin Smith featuring a song from the album in each of his first two films.
Major Label Ventures and Hiatus
With the release of House of GvsB, the band explored a more soulful direction within their noiserock sound, achieving moderate success with the single "Superfire." This led to their signing with Geffen Records. Their major label debut embraced an industrial disco aesthetic, drawing comparisons to artists like Nine Inch Nails while maintaining their post-punk identity. However, the album did not propel the band into mainstream success, and they subsequently entered a period of hiatus until their contract concluded.
Reunion and Continued Activity
During their hiatus, members pursued various side projects, including Scott McCloud's jazz-influenced group New Wet Kojak. Girls Against Boys reunited in 2002 to record You Can't Fight What You Can't See, released on Jade Tree Records. This album marked a return to their pre-Geffen sound and garnered critical acclaim.
Film and Television Appearances
Beyond their recorded output, the band has been involved in film and television. They recorded music for the soundtrack of the film Series 7: The Contenders, made a cameo appearance as themselves in the movie 200 Cigarettes, and served as Gina Gershon's backing band for her reality television series.
Recent Performances and Ongoing Projects
More recently, the band performed Venus Luxure as part of the Don't Look Back concert series. Despite other commitments, including Scott McCloud's project Paramount Styles, Girls Against Boys continue to record and perform live. Their recent EP, The Ghost List, is available via epitonic.bandcamp.com.
