Raw, loud, and unapologetically fierce, L7’s 1988 self-titled debut blends punk grit with grunge attitude. Released on Epitaph and packed with snarling riffs and riot energy, this is the explosive start of a band that redefined girl-powered rock.

Founded in 1985, L7 is an all-female punk rock band from Los Angeles. It was founded by the two guitarists Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner. Both had already played in various groups before L7. L7 was completed by bassist Jennifer Finch, who had previously played with Courtney Love (Hole) and Kat Bjelland (Babes In Toyland) in Sugar Baby Doll, and Ann Anderson on drums; however, the latter was quickly replaced by drummer Roy Koutsky.

The band’s name, which you can form with your thumb and forefinger, means something like bored or bourgeois, but is also an expression for the sex position 69. However, the noisy and boisterous sound that L7 produced with a mixture of girl power and grunge between Motörhead, Frightwig and the Ramones is anything but boring. Together with Don Bolles, the former drummer of the punk band Germs, L7 recorded their first demo.

The tape fell into the hands of Bad Religion guitarist and Epitaph boss Brett Gurewitz, who released the crude, snotty debut simply titled “L7” on his label in 1988. in 1989, L7 switched to Sub Pop.

1. Bite the Wax Tadpole
2. Cat O’ Nine Tails
3. Metal Stampede
4. Let’s Rock
5. Uncle Bob
6. Snake Handler
7. Runnin’ From the Law
8. Cool Out
9. It’s Not You
10. I Drink
11. Ms. 45