The Violent Femmes, known for their jittery, neurotic, and darkly comical yet powerfully catchy sound, are a pillar of the American underground movement and one of the best early examples of alternative rock. Formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the early '80s by singer/guitarist Gordon Gano, bassist Brian Ritchie, and percussionist Victor DeLorenzo, the band's self-titled 1983 debut was a groundbreaking collection of tuneful angst, featuring songs like "Blister in the Sun" and "Kiss Off." After being discovered by James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders while busking on the street, the Violent Femmes signed to Slash Records and released albums steadily through the '80s and '90s, including the sharp but melodic folk-rock of 1991's "Why Do Birds Sing?" The 2000s saw lineup changes and a slowdown in new material, but in 2016 they released "We Can Do Anything," their ninth studio album and first in 16 years. Their tenth album, "Hotel Last Resort," followed in 2019, and in 2023, they celebrated the 40th anniversary of their debut with a deluxe edition that included previously unreleased demos and live recordings.
