Kitten Forever

Kitten Forever
OriginMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States
GenresPunk rock, riot grrrl, dance-punk
Years active2006 (2006)–2022
LabelsTardigrade Records, Unnecessary Friction Records, Guilt Ridden Pop, Atlas Chair Records, Rat Queen Records
Members
  • Corrie Harrigan
  • Laura Larson
  • Liz Elton

Kitten Forever was an American feminist punk trio based in Minneapolis.[1] The all-woman band formed in June 2006[2] and included Corrie Harrigan, Laura Larson, and Liz Elton. Reviler described them as a trio who "collapse pop melodies underneath fuzzy, broken-speaker bass and chaotic drumming, all held together by glue and safety pins vocals that bring to mind the kinetic energy and art-punk attitude of Karen O."[3]

Kitten Forever released their first album, Born Ready, in 2008. In July 2013, they released their second full-length album, Pressure, which they promoted on their RIDE OR DIE WITCH NO BUMMER SUMMER: NOTHING'S BETTER THAN FRIENDS TOUR.[4] The album was recorded at Ecstattic Studios by Ali Jaafar and included the single "Famous Friends".[5][6]

On Pressure, Kitten Forever began their signature live show attraction - the seamless ability to switch instruments as well as roles mid-performance and deliver a stunningly complex and dynamic show.[7] This democratic approach to performing and songwriting gives the band a unified front, deconstructing traditional stage hierarchy.[8] They also began using a telephone microphone, inspired by the sound of punk band Mika Miko.

On July 18, 2015, Kitten Forever performed before Jack Off Jill during their only US reunion show.[9]

Their third album, 7 Hearts, was released on JD Samson's Atlas Chair Records in 2016. With just 15 tracks, run through in under 30 minutes, 7 Hearts continues the take no s— party vibes that excelled on the band’s second full-length Pressure and elevates them with harder, nuanced messages about feminism and power.[10] 7 Hearts was recorded by Matt Castore and mastered by Sarah Register.

With their fourth full-length release, Semi-Permanent, Kitten Forever returned to their DIY roots, self-releasing the 11-song album on their own label Rat Queen Records in 2018. They toured on this album as support for Screaming Females during their All At Once US tour.[11]

On June 10, 2022, Kitten Forever "crossed the rainbow bridge,"[12] announcing on Bandcamp that they are no longer a band.


Band members

  • Corrie Harrigan (drums, bass, vocals)
  • Laura Larson (drums, bass, vocals)[13]
  • Liz Elton (bass, vocals)

Harrigan and Elton both attended the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley, Minnesota.[14]

Larson also plays in the band Scrunchies, and formerly in Baby Guts.

Discography

EPs

  • Fat Crush (2007)[15]
  • Magical Realism (2009)

Studio albums

  • Born Ready (2008)
  • Pressure (2013)
  • 7 Hearts (2016)
  • Semi-Permanent (2018)

References

  1. ^ McCormick, Zach (July 31, 2013). "Kitten Forever: Half serious, half party, all punk". City Pages. Archived from the original on August 7, 2013.
  2. ^ "Rock Against Rape". Star Tribune. November 27, 2008.
  3. ^ "Stream: Kitten Forever "Pressure"". Reviler. August 4, 2013.
  4. ^ "Kitten Forever, "Famous Friends"". Impose Magazine. July 1, 2013.
  5. ^ McKenna, Bree (July 17, 2013). "Kitten Forever's Non-Stop Punk-Rock Basement Party". The Stranger.
  6. ^ Daffurn, Holly (July 18, 2013). "Kitten Forever: Pressure (Guilt Ridden Pop)". Bearded Magazine.
  7. ^ "kitten forever, semi-permanent". imperfect fifth. 2018-05-04. Retrieved 2021-01-30.
  8. ^ "Semi-Permanent by Kitten Forever". Terrorbird. Retrieved 2021-01-30.
  9. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Seminal 90s Riot-Goth band Jack Off Jill Reunite For One Weekend Only!". bust.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2015."
  10. ^ "Kitten Forever premiere girl power anthem 'Cannon'". Entertainment Weekly.
  11. ^ "Screaming Females to Embark on Fall U.S. Tour with Kitten Forever". 13 August 2018.
  12. ^ "KITTEN FOREVER's Community".
  13. ^ "Laura Larson, Cadette and Kitten Forever". NPR. Retrieved 6 August 2013. In Kitten Forever I use whatever bass guitar and amp is lying around the basement, along with a Boss Overdrive/Distortion guitar pedal.
  14. ^ Gill, Richard (April 28, 2010). "Punk Rock Prom Interview: Kitten Forever". Switchblade Comb.
  15. ^ Hansen, David (July 2, 2008). "Thunder Cats". City Pages. Archived from the original on October 4, 2008.