Frumpie One-Piece

Outfits like the Frumpies are why the indie rock and punk scenes have such reputations for incestuousness. At the heart of the band are Bikini Kill's Kathi Wilcox and Tobi Vail, who leave their respective bassist and drummer roles to take up joint duty guitar and vocals. They're joined by Bikini Kill guitarist Billy Karren and Bratmobile drummer Molly Neuman (playing their usual instruments), along with occasional help from Make-Up bassist Michelle Mae on guitar. Frumpie One Piece is a compilation of singles from a bevy of labels. While each of the player's original bands grew more sophisticated with time, the Frumpies keep their sound down and dirty. Screeched vocals, rudimentary slashes at the guitar, and basement production values are the order of the day, whether the tracks were recorded in 1992 or '96. Like the Minutemen, sometimes the Frumpies comment on their disaffection just as effectively with song titles as with lyrics: "I Just Wanna Puke on the Stereo," "Whatshisname Hearts the Frumpies," "Weary Ingenues and Snotty Brats," "Fake Antagonism Rules, Okay." Though it's non-essential, Frumpie One Piece is a handy compendium and surely of interest for fans of the riot grrrl community.