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Once upon a time (1996, New York City) two guitar-wielding rockrgrrls joined forces to create catchy, clever, often funny pop-punk anthems sprinkled with twangy surf stylings. Lalena Fisher—calling herself Suzi Blade—and Holly Ann Jacobs—known as Princess—christened themselves The Hissyfits and began playing memorable venues such as Coney Island High, Brownie’s, Arlene’s Grocery and CBGB, with self-released cassettes for sale. Before they knew it, their first 7-inch single “Something Wrong” was declared “Pop—when it’s perfect!” by legendary rock critic Greil Marcus in Interview magazine.
The Hissyfits’ 1997 cassettes are ripe for the current pop-punk revival: a couple of soaring singalong volumes (with various drummers) sold at shows and by mail-order through zines such as Maximumrocknroll and Rockrgrl. The duo are excited to finally unleash them to the world for streaming and download under the title PRE-HISSTORIC: The Cassettes, and a second volume of un-produced and live tracks called PRE-HISSTORIC: Off the Record.
“The Hissyfits rule. And not because they're girls, either - just because they do.” (KERRANG!)
That “perfect” song Greil Marcus liked so much was included on The Hissyfits’ first full-length album WISH (Orchard Records); it compiled their vinyl releases with new drummer P-Girl, including All Dolled Up (MutantPop). Previously only on CD, WISH has finally been released for digital download and streaming, and features Lalena’s signature, intricately driving bass lines. The digital version includes a previously-unheard, heartfelt bonus track, “Not My Valentine.” This song was later re-recorded and released by Lalena’s next band The Color Guard, and highlighted in Entertainment Weekly.
“Their songs are infused with the very best elements of hard-hitting rock, melodic pop, even shades of new wave, and are all dressed in a distinctly personal, punky style. Fairy tales, prayers, hot topics, and universal themes gracefully decorate the cacophonous confection of The Hissyfits’ thoughtful, yet uncontrived music.”
The Hissyfits’ sophomore album, LETTERS FROM FRANK (Top Quality Rock and Roll), has been available online since its release in 2001. One critic noted, “Subconsciously powerful, details such as a fragment of the children’s song ‘Frere Jaques’ as well as the ‘Child’s Prayer’ innocently intertwine with the sounds of sirens and cat-like hissing in ‘911’ on this offering.”
“These sunny rockers should provide the perfect summer-love soundtrack for the grrrl-friendly indie rock set [with their] bittersweet pop gems. A fun mix of Bangles-sweet three-part vocal harmonies, psychedelic pop, and the electric crunch of the Foo Fighters or even the Ramones.” (CMJ)
At long last, The Hissyfits’ stellar final album GOODBYE, recorded in 2003 and of which four songs were released in the U.K. and Europe under the title Can’t Keep Waiting, is also now available for streaming. “The contrast of Princess’ pretty, often childlike melodies floating over abrasive guitars and drums is simultaneously mesmerizing, disarming, and unbelievably catchy. The girls go from a raucous rage to a delicate whisper, a moment of silent tension to a distortion-filled fuzz-fest all in the course of one song and reference a wide variety of musical sounds and styles over the course of an album.” The heartbreaking “Cruelest Cut” was written by Princess the day after The Hissyfits’ dramatic break-up onstage at Lit during the CMJ Music Festival in October of 2003.
“The Hissyfits have a feminine sweetness with voice inflections that aren't so sweet, multipart female vocals that play off each other but come together for beautiful harmonies, rough fuzz from the guitar. The sensibility is sort of romance as something doomed and precious but enlivened by little flicks of the knife.” (The Village Voice)
As a final gift to hardcore Hissyfits fans who have been there through all the heartache of their later songs, you’ll also find the newly-released LOVE NOTES, an uncharacteristically lovesick collection of recordings, from shortly before the last lineup of the band parted ways.
“The Hissyfits are for fans of great songs, songs that will provide soundtracks to your lonely nights, tear-filled days, summery-blissful afternoons, and every other moment of your life.” (Vinyl A Go-Go)
Holly lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and plans to release solo recordings in the next few months. Lalena currently lives in Austin, Texas, where she plays guitar in The Mothermold, a “metallic art punk” duo with her teenage daughter on drums; their debut album Flesh of My Flesh was released in 2023 and can be found on all streaming platforms.
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