Pity Sex
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Defunct | 2016 (initial disbandment) |
| Fate | Hiatus and reunion announced in 2022 |
| Headquarters | Ann Arbor, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
| Website | pitysex |
Pity Sex is an alternative rock group originating from Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the United States. Established in 2011, the band produced two full-length albums—Feast of Love (2013) and White Hot Moon (2016)—prior to their disbandment. Their sound merges elements of indie rock, shoegaze, dream pop, and noise rock, with Pitchfork characterizing their style as "post-coital pop-punk." In 2022, the band revealed plans for a reunion, featuring in the lineup for the Sound & Fury festival.
The band acknowledges artistic inspiration from acts such as My Bloody Valentine, Pixies, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr., Kevin Gates, and Yo La Tengo.
Origins, split demo release, and first EP (2011–2012)
Formed in 2011, Pity Sex initially issued a split cassette demo alongside Brave Bird. Their inaugural EP, Dark World, was released in 2012 through Forward Records and garnered favorable critical attention.
Feast of Love era (2012–2015)
The band's first studio album, Feast of Love, arrived in 2013 under Run For Cover Records, which also reissued the Dark World EP. Throughout 2014, Pity Sex embarked on extensive tours alongside label peers such as Adventures, Basement, and Tigers Jaw, including their debut tour in Australia. In October 2014, they collaborated with Adventures on a split EP comprising original tracks and covers; notably, Pity Sex performed a rendition of the Pixies' "Gigantic." Guitarist Brennan Greaves contributed to the visual artwork for this release. The summer of 2015 saw the band touring across the United States with punk outfit Ceremony while simultaneously finalizing their subsequent album.
White Hot Moon period (2015–2016)
On September 28, 2015, the digital single "What Might Soothe You?" premiered on NPR, heralding the upcoming album White Hot Moon, which was released in spring 2016. A vinyl version of this single was issued ahead of the album's launch.
In August 2016, vocalist and guitarist Britty Drake exited following a concluding performance supporting Best Coast. Subsequent tour dates in Japan and Australia featured Brennan Greaves taking over lead vocals, with Anthony Heubel stepping in as lead guitarist. By October 2016, Pity Sex declared an indefinite hiatus and issued their final single and accompanying video titled "Burden You," produced by Playlab, as a farewell offering.
Side projects and reunions (2016–present)
Following the group's dissolution, members embarked on separate musical endeavors. Brennan Greaves established Goodyhead in 2018; their debut EP Proof of Life was released in July 2021. Anthony Heubel pursued a solo venture named Anthony Heubel & The High Lonesome, unveiling the EP Tell Me What You Find in February 2021.
On May 5, 2022, Pity Sex announced plans to reunite for a performance at Sound and Fury festival in Los Angeles. Returning members included Greaves, Drake, and St. Charles, with Michael Cesario—Drake's spouse—joining on bass.
In June 2023, they revealed a special vinyl reissue commemorating the tenth anniversary of Feast of Love.
February 2024 brought confirmation of their participation at Detroit's Tied Down festival scheduled for June. Alongside Greaves, Drake, and Cesario was new drummer Derrick Daniel from Never Ending Game. By July 2024, Sean St. Charles had resumed drumming responsibilities as announced via the band's Instagram account.
Members
- Current lineup
- Brennan Greaves – vocals, guitar (2011–2016, 2022, 2024–present)
- Britty Drake – vocals, guitar (2011–2016, 2022, 2024–present)
- Michael Cesario – bass guitar (2022, 2024–present)
- Sean St. Charles – drums (2011–2016, 2022, 2024–present)
- Past members
- Brandan Pierce – bass guitar (2011–2016)
- Michael Politowicz – bass guitar (2015; UK tour)
- Anthony Heubel – guitar (2016; Japan/Australia tour)
- Derrick Daniel – drums (Tied Down Detroit 2024)
Studio albums
- Feast of Love (Run for Cover Records, 2013)
- White Hot Moon (Run for Cover Records, 2016)
EPs
- Dark World (Forward Records, 2012)
Splits
- "Brave Bird / Pity Sex" (2011)
- "Adventures / Pity Sex" (Run for Cover Records, 2014)
Music videos
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "Wind Up" | Alex Henery |
| 2015 | "What Might Soothe You?" | Joel Rakowski |
| 2016 | "Burden You" | Daniel Antebi |