It’s always good news to hear that War On Women are coming to town. This Baltimore band, which bills itself as “co-ed feminist hardcore punk,” formed in order to address a hostile political climate in the wake of the 2010 Congressional midterm elections. They took their name from a phrase used by female members of Congress to refer to a bevy of proposed legislation from Republican members of Congress that took aim at women’s rights issues from workplace discrimination to abortion and rape. With these circumstances surrounding their formation, it’s no surprise that War On Women has spent their six-years-and-counting as a band focusing on feminist issues, and delivering them to listeners with a powerful force impossible to tune out.
The band released their self-titled debut LP in 2015 on Bridge Nine, and have done a lot of touring since it came out. This is definitely not their first time coming to Richmond, but any War On Women set is essential for people who care about both women’s issues and sick riffs. I definitely fall into that category, and if you don’t, I’m side-eyeing you pretty hard right now. But hey, even if you’re unfamiliar with War On Women, the terrific trio of openers should absolutely be enough to get you out to The Camel this Sunday night. Doll Baby bring the passionately delivered emotionally-driven tunes, Bad Magic brings the melancholy depth and lyrical brilliance, and Roy Batty brings the return of Hot Dolphin frontwoman Lindsey Spurrier to the stage. Yeah, exactly. You need to be there.
