Somewhere between poets and punk rockers, 8 Inch Betsy is three women full of vitriol, lyricism and insight. It’s music for those of us who know that feeling between restraint and release, action and reaction. Singer and guitarist Meghan Galbraith’s gale force vocals encapsulate all the angst, anger and eventual relief that accompanies catharsis, and Liz Burke’s bass and Steph Levi’s drums are the ultimate counterpart to her potent wail. Demureness gets shoved violently aside as Galbraith, Burke and Levi throttle through deliberate, reflective songs. The union of raw noise and pensive, profound lyrics is a rare one, but 8 Inch Betsy hones this blend to a knife point, crafting a stirring set of tracks that address everything from heartbreak to nights of debauchery. 2007’s This Time, Last Time, Every Time epitomizes the efficacy that can come from this unexpected dichotomy — a searing, affecting album that masters both lyrical depth and catchiness. 8 Inch Betsy’s follow-up, The Mean Days, will be out on 307 Knox Records August 24th, 2010.
-by Linnie Greene
You can also get the single, Doomed (From This Time, Last Time, Every Time), on Rock Band Network.
PRESS:
"Post-punk, badass queer rockers" Time Out Chicago
"...a three piece band that puts out eight parts of punk on the rocks and heavy on the bitters...it was difficult to keep their energy from causing some part of your body to move with the beats of Stephanie Levi (drums) and a nervy Liz Burke (bass)." Fearlobe.com
"Brash and nervy girl punk that demands you take notice." Anne Elizabeth Moore - Punk Planet
"8 Inch Betsy rocks so hard our ovaries hurt! These girls are one of the best new Chicago bands we've heard this year!" WOW - WLUW Loyola College Radio
"You can guarantee that 8 Inch Betsy has every intention of continuing to rock your pants off" Sara Sugar - Go Mag
"8 Inch Betsy and Fellow Rockers Measure Up" Trish Bendix - Time Out Magazine
"The energy at an 8 Inch Betsy live show is infectious." Trish Bendix - Afterellen.com
"This CD did not disappoint....Eight Inch Betsy’s music keeps you energized for whatever you need to do." Jae Lombardo - Dykediva.com
"abrasive, catchy" The Onion
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