The Gymslips

about

This East London trio - formed in August 1981 and initially dressing up as schoolgirls - made their vinyl debut on the all-girl Making Waves compilation with a song called 'Midnight City'. By the end of 1982 they had recorded no less than three radio sessions - two for John Peel, one for Kid Jensen - and had signed with Abstract Records. Late 1982 saw the release of their debut single, "48 Crash". This Suzi Quatro cover earned them a Top Twenty spot in the indie charts, despite being too similar in execution to the original for comfort. The follow up single "Big Sister" was released at the beginning of 1983 and although it was far better than the debut it somehow failed to trouble the charts, and nor did single number three, a terrific novelty rocker called "Robot Man". In April 1983 they expanded to a four piece with the addition of keyboardist Kathy Barnes and released 'Rocking With The Renees'. This fine platter had them transcending their influences (Ramones, X-Ray Spex, glam rock and 60's pop) and producing great music. The addition of Barnes fleshed out their songs and made them poppier. Girls can do it pretty good, they sang, and this funny, catchy and highly confident record was the proof, with utterly unpretentious songs about plastic surgery, alcohol, pie and mash, and boys. Another indie hit, this was released in the US as 'Drink Problem'. Two further John Peel sessions followed, but after that things went very quiet indeed. Karen Yarnell left to join Serious Dri

you might also explore

top songs

albums

Rockin' with the Renees - The Punk Collection

Rocking With The Renees

▥

Rocking With the Renees: The Punk Collection

Make More Noise! Women In Independent Music UK 1977-1987

The Sun Shines Here: The Roots Of Indie-Pop 1980-1984

▥

Rockin With The Renees

▥

All Summer Long

▥

Punk Pay Tribute

▥

Sharon Signs To Cherry Red

Rockin' with The Renees: The Punk Collection

Evil Eye

▥

Punk 10 - Punk Pay Tribute

similar artists