Perfect Pussy are plowing through this year –releasing their heavy full-length debut Say Yes to Love and embarking on a continent-spanning tour. Along the way a buzz started to follow the band, and they have slowly become one of the most discussed and admired punk bands around. Perfect Pussy are an undeniably unique band, and they have no lack of distinguishing qualities. The furious yet glossy punk sound and loaded lyrics on their latest release are urgent enough to stick with you. Singer Meredith Graves is the opposite of apathetic, from her intense stage presence to the intelligent and well-spoken views she presents in interviews. But what really draws people in, the spark that caught on, is their live performance. Since the beginning Perfect Pussy stunned audiences, becoming a whirlwind of energy on stage.
Though this crazy year has the band tied up, bassist Greg Ambler found a moment to talk tour life before Perfect Pussy returns to Boston.
Boston Hassle: What kinds of crowds are the best kinds of crowds, and where have you found them?
Perfect Pussy: It’s hard to notice anything beyond the band when I play so I always am more involved in the performance and releasing energy than watching what other people are doing. I have had kids apologize for people standing around before and I am never offended because everyone enjoys music in a different way and I personally have been in mosh retirement for a while, so I feel all the head bobbers out there.
BH: The band is touring with some unreal lineups right now – playing with Joanna Gruesome, Potty Mouth, etc, and there seems to be a lot of mutual respect and appreciation between bands. How do these lineups and band friendships come about and what effect do they have on you as a band?
PP: Just from playing shows and being in bands for years is how we knew Potty Mouth, and after playing with Joanna Gruesome at CMJ I emailed them to say they are the one band that our whole band ever agreed on. I think we all challenge each other to play harder.
BH: Perfect Pussy is known for having an intense, gripping live show – what does performing feel like to you?
PP: Like puking sweat.
BH: After such a huge year, what in the near future is most exciting for you guys?
PP: Iceland!
Go see Perfect Pussy when they return to Boston on August 27th to play a stacked high show at The Sinclair with lo-fi Love of Everything, local punks Potty Mouth, and the band’s rowdy punk pop friends’ Joanna Gruesome. In the meantime, fall in love with some covers off the upcoming Perfect Pussy/Joanna Gruesome split.
