Girlpool
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2013 in Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Founder | Avery Tucker, Harmony Tividad |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Key people | Avery Tucker, Harmony Tividad |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Girlpool was an indie rock ensemble originating from Los Angeles, California, founded by Avery Tucker and Harmony Tividad. Their initial EP, titled Girlpool, debuted on Bandcamp in 2014 and was subsequently reissued by Wichita Recordings within the same year. The duo proceeded to release the albums Before the World Was Big (2015), Powerplant (2017), and What Chaos Is Imaginary (2019). Their concluding album, Forgiveness (2022), became available on April 29. In August 2022, they declared an indefinite hiatus.
2013–2018: Girlpool, Before the World Was Big, and Powerplant
Established in 2013, Girlpool introduced their self-titled debut EP on Bandcamp in February 2014, which was later re-released through Wichita Recordings. The release garnered positive critical attention, achieving a Metacritic rating of 79. Reviewers recognized their music as a socially aware progression within indie folk.
Their first full-length album, Before the World Was Big, arrived on June 2, 2015 via Wichita Recordings and similarly received favorable critiques, also securing a Metacritic score of 79. Pitchfork assigned it a rating of 7.8 out of 10, commending its "quiet intensity."
In March 2017, Girlpool signed with Anti- Records, simultaneously announcing their sophomore album and an accompanying U.S. tour. Released on May 12, 2017, Powerplant was met with critical acclaim; Pitchfork awarded it an 8.3 out of 10, highlighting its eclectic influences ranging from emo to Britpop and alternative rock elements. That summer marked Avery Tucker’s public announcement of his identity as a trans man.
On February 1, 2018, the band unveiled "Picturesong," featuring Dev Hynes. This collaboration emphasized their characteristic vocal harmonies while delving into themes of love and solitude. Initially distributed via SoundCloud, the track was later made available across major streaming services.
2018–2021: What Chaos Is Imaginary
On October 9, 2018, Girlpool released the singles "Lucy's" and "Where You Sink," showcasing Tucker’s deeper vocal register for the first time in recordings. Subsequently, on November 13, 2018, they issued the single "Hire" and announced their third studio album, What Chaos Is Imaginary, which was released on February 1, 2019. The album received generally positive reviews with an average Metacritic score of 74. Sasha Geffen from Pitchfork observed that the record combined solid indie rock songwriting with reflective dream pop elements, broadening their sonic palette beyond prior works.
On March 12, 2020, Girlpool introduced the single "Like I'm Winning It," accompanied by a music video. Tucker described this piece as exploring themes related to power dynamics and desire connected to limited attention spans. Shortly thereafter, both members entered self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 1, 2020, they released Chaos Demos on Bandcamp—a compilation of demos from their previous album—alongside Avery Tucker’s personal commentary regarding his gender transition and role within the band.
The remix EP Touch Me (It's Like I'm Winning It) was released on August 31, 2020, featuring reinterpretations by Porches, Lydia Ainsworth, and recurring collaborator Dev Hynes. In April 2021, Harmony Tividad appeared in Japanese Breakfast’s music video for "Posing in Bondage" and subsequently performed as a dancer in Ashnikko’s "Slumber Party" video released in May.
2021–2022: Forgiveness and disbandment
On December 8, 2021, Girlpool unveiled the single "Faultline," accompanied by a self-produced video directed by Julian Klincewicz. Following this, on January 19, 2022, they released "Lie Love Lullaby" with a music video helmed by Amalia Irons and simultaneously announced their fourth studio album, Forgiveness, which was officially released on April 29, 2022. Subsequently, on February 23, the band introduced the single "Dragging My Life Into a Dream," featuring another self-directed visual.
The group declared their dissolution on August 25, 2022, confirming that the remaining scheduled tour dates would serve as a farewell series.
2023–present: Individual projects
On August 25, 2023, Tividad launched her solo EP titled Dystopia Girl under the moniker Harmony. Harmony’s first full-length album, Gossip, was issued on October 11, 2024. Meanwhile, Tucker’s debut solo album, Paw, is planned for release on October 10, 2025.
Musical style and inspirations
Timothy Monger of AllMusic observes that Girlpool transitioned from a minimalist duo without drums to a more conventional indie rock ensemble by their 2019 release What Chaos Is Imaginary. Their sound merges the angst of ’90s alternative guitar with rich arrangements and vibrant harmonies reminiscent of classic pop radio. The band’s fourth record, Forgiveness (2022), embraced a polished and expansive keyboard-driven pop style that candidly explores themes of young adult romantic challenges. Shaad D'Souza of The Fader highlighted the band’s emphasis on transformation and life’s transitions. Critic Robert Christgau characterized their songwriting as an exploration of a small yet often daunting environment.
Tividad has acknowledged influences such as Cocteau Twins, Siouxsie and the Banshees, alongside solo artists from the 2010s including Charli XCX and Tyler, the Creator. The band is often likened to The Shaggs, noted for their raw and unconventional approach; Matt McMahon from The Observer emphasized Girlpool's minimalist punk aesthetic combined with heartfelt harmonies as spiritually akin to The Shaggs.
Band members
Past members
- Avery Tucker – guitar, bass guitar, vocals (2013–2022)
- Harmony Tividad – bass guitar, guitar, vocals (2013–2022)
Former touring musicians
- Miles Wintner – drums (2017)
- Stephen Steinbrink – guitar (2017)
- Kevin Boog – guitar (2018)
- Patrick Nolan – guitar, bass (2017–2022)
- Sariah Mae – keyboards (2017–2022)
- Ross Chait – drums (2017–2022)
Studio albums
- Before the World Was Big (June 2, 2015, Wichita Recordings)
- Powerplant (May 12, 2017, Anti-)
- What Chaos Is Imaginary (February 1, 2019, Anti-)
- Forgiveness (April 29, 2022, Anti-)
Demo albums
- Chaos Demos (May 1, 2020, Self-released)
EPs
- Girlpool (November 2014, Wichita Recordings)
- Touch Me (It's Like I'm Winning It) (August 2020, Anti-)
Singles
- "Chinatown" (2015, Wichita Recordings)
- "Picturesong" (2018, Anti-)
- "Lucy's" (2018, Anti-)
- "Where You Sink" (2018, Anti-)
- "Hire" (2018, Anti-)
- "Like I'm Winning It" (2020, Anti-)
- "Faultline" (2021, Anti-)
- "Lie Love Lullaby" (2022, Anti-)
- "Dragging My Life Into a Dream" (2022, Anti-)