Girlschool — Cassette

Intro

Girlschool sounds like the missing link between the snarling energy of 1977 punk and the massive, riff-heavy architecture of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their music is defined by a relentless, driving rhythm section and guitars that favor a warm, overdriven crunch over clinical precision. It is rowdy, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in the 'live' feel of a band that spent years in the trenches of the UK club circuit.

What truly sets them apart is their refusal to lean into the operatic or overly technical tropes of their metal contemporaries. Instead, they deliver punchy, three-minute anthems characterized by raspy, dual-vocal attacks and bluesy, melodic solos that feel spontaneous rather than rehearsed. There is a sense of camaraderie and 'sisters-in-arms' toughness that permeates their recordings, making them feel more like a gang than a traditional rock ensemble.

Newcomers should start with 'Hit and Run' or 'Demolition'. These albums capture the band at their commercial and creative peak, showcasing the Vic Maile production that preserved their raw, aggressive edge while making their hooks catchy enough for radio. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who loves Motörhead but wants a slightly more melodic, punk-infused perspective.

Girlschool are a British rock band that formed in the new wave of British heavy metal scene in 1978. Frequently associated with contemporaries Motörhead, they are the longest-running all-female rock band, still active after more than 40 years. Formed from a school band called Painted Lady, Girlschool enjoyed strong media exposure and commercial success in the UK in the early 1980s with three albums of "punk-tinged metal" and a few singles, but lost their momentum in the following years. In the 1990s and 2000s, Girlschool focused on shows and tours and made few studio albums. During their career they travelled the world, playing in many rock and metal festivals and co-headlining with or supporting important hard rock and heavy metal bands. They maintain a worldwide cult following, and are an inspiration for many female rock musicians. Despite frequent changes of line-up, all original members who are still alive—Kim McAuliffe, Enid Williams and Denise Dufort—had been in the band until 2019, when Willams quit. Original lead guitarist and singer Kelly Johnson died of cancer in 2007.

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Our Catalog13 Albums · 1980 · 2023