Do you remember when it was okay for punk rock bands to be of barely adequate skill at their instruments? Plenty of bands found their sound through a complete lack of proficiency—it is what punk was about; making mistakes and learning in public. Some of those mistakes have inspired future generations of inept musicians to give it a go themselves. RAOOUL committed six songs of gloriously bad punk rock trash to vinyl in 1993 and upstart East Bay punk kids have been thankful ever since. Fresh & Nubile was proof that it was still possible; that a band of 14-year-old girls could have a laugh and a say. They did have things to say under the din too. “Anna Joy” features the line “It really ain’t anarchy if it’s okay with your mom/It really ain’t rebellion if it’s just Primus instead of New Kids on the Block,” a poignant lyric in 2020 when more parents are taking their kids to their first punk shows at Gilman Street than in previous eras. “Good Girls” declares sexual freedom and agency while “I Had Richie Bucher” inverses the scenario women face when being objectified by men by using an older boy established in the punk scene for sex and discarding him in the end. This 7-inch is perfect; it leaves you wanting more. One of the East Bay’s punkest releases of the decade by far.
RAOOUL have taken a few more guitar lessons prior to recording 1994’s split LP with London minimalist trio SKINNED TEEN, but seem to have misplaced their inspiration in the process. Although the tunes are decent, they lack the sense of fun and enthusiasm that make Fresh & Nubile such a triumphant classic. RAOOUL broke up before this record came out, but guitarist Molly Schnick and drummer Phyllis Forbes would go on to form the TOURETTES with Janelle Hessig and OUT HUD with members of !!!. Vocalist Melissa MacArthur would contribute guest vocals on older brother Gavin’s band SCHLONG’s Punk Side Story album.
SEE ALSO: The Tourettes,
Out Hud.
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