The Barrettes
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"When it comes to all-girl rock bands mostly what comes to mind are
the prefab, put together by an agency acts such as The Bangles or
Bananrama (spelling? who fuk'n cares?). There are a few gems such as Bikini Kill
or The Slits, however, like most things,
the best is always overlooked
and underrated. Milwaukee's all-girl rock sensation THE BARRETTES is a
band that falls into the latter description. Quirky, upbeat and edgy, the
band is a throwback to the early 80s punk that defined the genre: Sometimes
chaotic, sometimes melodic, The Barrettes are in-you-face with
aggressive vocals and wide-open guitar that somwhow stay
in cohesion with drum
beats that blister and burn. Throw in the occasional cello and the musical
barriers are expanded even more. Yet, the ladies show another side
with tracks such as "Dogs Out At 3" that boogie in a tradional 70s style.
Their signature sound is defined by the incorporation of a melodica which is
dominant in most of their songs. For those of
you who do not know, the melodica is a hand held mouth organ with a
cheesy sound. Such an instrument is not on the list of most punk acts,
yet the band has mangaged to make it work in a wonderful way.
Their debut
CD is out and available at their live performances (which are a must
see--this band kicks ass!)".
- Lane Kozier
"Made up of Brewcity Brusiers and former members of The Skexies, Milwaukee's newest all-girl act, The Barrettes, are bruning down stages around town. Their sounds is a cross between a lo-fi T. Rex and early B-52s, with guitar, cello, drums and melodica (a hand-held mouth organ) colliding for music that banters between chaotic and traditional rock. While there's an undeniable punk edge, the up-beat swing in songs like "Dogs Out at 3" showcases a danceable vibe so accessible you wouldn't think twice if you heard it on the radio." - Brian Barney
Friday, August 31, 2007
What do ya know, The Barrettes are on the cover of MKE!!! Aug. 30, 2007
Check out our pics and story at www.mkeonline.com click on entertainment and rec and then click on night life.
"Pretty in punk: The Barrettes just wanna rock out"
"Pegged as a cross between T. Rex and the B-52s, The Barrettes meld sweet pop punk antics and an assertive stage presence with a fresh musical vision that subs a cello for a bass guitar and adds the uncommon elements of mandolin and melodica. Go to story..." - www.onmilwaukee.com
Melodica, cello, French horn, electrified ukulele and mandolin in a rock band, and it’s not prog? Believe it: The Barrettes put a punk sheen on all those elements, adding some of the fiercest chick-rock vocals Milwaukee has produced in some time. The Barrettes recall ’80s English gal-centric acts such as The Slits, Au Pairs and Essential Logic. And listeners recalling the Cream City’s new-wave heritage may make a connection to The Oil Tasters and Ama-Dots in some of the group’s buzzy, slightly Middle Eastern swagger. However, it’s likely that none of the aforementioned ever sang about their home burg’s roller derby girls, a scene in which The Barrettes also have roots. And the band is as sonically tough as those sisters in skates and shoulder pads. - Shepherd Express October 7, 2009
Discography
(2007)
"some of us wear them" first EP released
(2009)
live recording on WMSE radio Milwaukee, 91.7
(2009)
"A Whole Lotta Melodica"
Photos
Bio
We Are Now Available On ITunes! Dabbling in a bit of pop punk, rock, blues and choas, The Barrettes riffs are very catchy. The gritty vocals between Joey, JoAnn and Kari pack a hypnotic punch! Not the traditional line up of instrumentation, The Barrettes combine coronet, ukelele, mandolin, melodica, guitars, bass and drums. This combination allows the girls to have a wild and choatic sound while at times being melodic and dreamy. The girls provide a danceable, fun experience that leaves the audience captivated with their talents. The Barrettes intense connection on and off stage is a reflection of their many years of friendship. The Barrettes are aggressive and they are gentle, they scream and they whisper.
Influenced by electroclash, punk rock, classic rock, noise and any music that is passionate and fun!
The Barrettes opened and headlined with bands such as The Gore Gore Girls, The Go (Jack White's pre White Stripes band), Girl in a Coma, Bitch and The Exciting Conclusion, Girly Man, International Espionage, Bleed, The Blissters, The Melismatics, Guido's Racecar, Two Girls, Big Fun, Mercury Crossing, and many more.
SUCCESSES:
* 2013 - Played "Music Under Glass" at The Domes to standing room only crowd on a frigid night.
* 2013 - Became Milwaukee's #1 Alternative Artist on ReverbNation.com.
* 2012 - Web release of "These Days" video.
* 2011 - The Barrettes one of 15 semi-finalists in the GermanFest Battle of Bands.
* 2010 - The Barrettes were featured on the County Transit Buses in 5 major cities, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, LA, Milwaukee, Boston.
* 2010 - The Barrettes are on the Midwest Roller Derby compliation cd.
* 2009 - The Barrettes were on the cover of MKE, plus interview, Milwaukee, WI.
* 2009 - The Barrettes have had many write-ups / interviews in The Shepherd Express, Milwaukee, WI.
Links
