Balancing the tightrope between indie and mainstream rock, THE BRUISES embrace incredibly catchy choruses, dueling female vocal harmonies, and a serrated double guitar attack. Tipping their hats to acts such as Lush, that dog., and Sleater-Kinney, the band has forged a sound that is both unique and timeless.
“We just make music we like, without trying to be a part of any fad or musical trend,” says guitarist/singer Jen Black. “I’d like to think that someone 10 or 20 years from now could enjoy our songs the same way they do at this moment.”
THE BRUISES were formed in 2001 when Black, formerly of Illinois indie outfits The Velouria Beat and the Forecast, met acoustic singer-songwriter Aja Blue (yes, those are their real names). Initially hailing from Peoria, IL, the girls started out as a not-so-typical acoustic duo, bringing forth genuine rock energy to their live performances and to their 2002 LP “Last Summer”. The two toured relentlessly across the US in support of the album, which garnered critical acclaim from the press and fans alike.
The year 2004 brought much change for THE BRUISES. Aja and Jen ditched the acoustic guitars and went electric, bringing into fruitation the harder-edged sound they’d always envisioned. They moved to Los Angeles, CA, where they showcased their new sound with the EP “Ladies and Gentlemen....” Audiences along the West Coast went wild for the Bruises, and tracks from the EP were featured on MTV’s “Parental Control” and the HERE Network’s “Dante’s Cove”.
After a year in LA, Black and Blue relocated to San Francisco, CA where they immediately began packing local clubs with their engaging live show. The Bruises come out with guitars swinging and hands in the air, delivering an intense set that won’t soon be forgotten. In late 2006, the band went into the studio with producer Scott Tusa (Scissors For Lefty, Matt Lutz) to lay the groundwork for “Connected”, their new full-length album.
With 12 tracks of unforgettable hooks, “Connected” stays true to the hallmarks of THE BRUISES’ sound while pushing the envelope with polished production. The album documents a period of intense growth, change, and uncertainty for the girls. Songs such as “Distraction”, “Hold Me Down”, and “Handful of Tears” navigate darker and seemingly troubled waters, while “Black and Blue”, “Dancing Is Dangerous”, and “Hott Damn!” explore more upbeat territories. “I think we finally established who we are as the Bruises while making this album, “ explains Black. “Aja and I were actually able to accomplish everything we imagined for these songs.”
THE BRUISES will be touring both regionally and nationally throughout 2008. Be sure to check out their explosive live show and pick up your copy of “Connected”.
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*The Bruises demonstrate that they know how to effectively dip into different tastes, from punk to indie to pop, and blend each genre with a fist full of dynamism. The result is a power-driven full-length effort that’s an electrifying force all the way through.-Robbie Salapuddin, West Coast Performer Magazine.
*At times recalling Joan Jett and the Donnas, Connected surges with forceful twin-guitar assaults and dueling vocals, sweetening the heartbreak. "Wake Up" — mobilized by the rollicking rhythms of guest drummer Derrick Hostetter and the irrepressible vocal give-and-take trade-offs between Black and Blue — is a clear highlight, as is "Dancing Is Dangerous," an exuberant, new wave–y ode to infatuation boasting delicious synth blips straight out of a Cars video, courtesy of producer Scott Tusa.-Todd Lavoie, SF Bay Guardian.
* The Bruises load upbeat, dynamic pop songs with muscle and a bit of attitude, then smooth out the edges. - Nate Seltenrich, East Bay Express
* Using straight-up pop techniques with one foot in the Go-Go's and the other in Matthew Sweet, Connected's strongest tracks play that wonderful game of ear tease, where the song begins with promise, doesn't give too much away at the beginning, then lives up to full potential, creating a rewarding three-to-four-minute journey. - Phillip Mottaz, thetripwire.com.
* You can get a little taste of the action with "Distraction" by way of the girls' MySpace. If Tegan and Sara were not as heartbroken and Sleater-Kinney were not as angry, the result would be something close to The Bruises. This song grabs you with its catchy chorus and then rocks you hard. This track will have you hurting to hear the whole album. - Alexandra Scioli, The Deli SF.
* San Francisco female fronted band The Bruises prove that chicks rule as album Connected prevails as a poppy estrogen treat. This album has arrived at the perfect time, as the country has grown sick of the Spice Girls reunion." - Julianne Shapiro, The Owl Mag.
* Every single song on it is a winner. - Chip Withrow, Musesmuse.com
* What makes them stand apart from other groups of the genre are the non-generic melodic vocal lines, imminently hummable without being utterly predictable, not an easy thing to do, and perhaps a result of their years honing their quieter side as an acoustic duo. - William Carey, Amplifiermagazine.com
* The Bruises are intensely hypnotic punk pop and hard rock. Listening to this album, I found myself wanting to see them live. I would follow The Bruises anywhere. I’m not kidding. - Patricia Ethelwyn Lang, Feministreview.
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