Women (band)
| Company type | Indie rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founder | Patrick Flegel, Christopher Reimer, Matt Flegel, Mike Wallace |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Calgary , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Women was an indie rock group originating from Calgary, Canada, established in 2008 and consisting of Patrick Flegel, Christopher Reimer, Matt Flegel, and Mike Wallace. Their sound was characterized by an experimental approach, embracing lo-fi aesthetics and discordant textures that left a significant mark on the post-punk movement throughout the 2010s.
Their first album, Women, debuted on July 8, 2008, under Chad VanGaalen's label Flemish Eye in Canada and was later released in the United States through Jagjaguwar on October 7, 2008. After issuing their follow-up record Public Strain in 2010, the band entered an indefinite hiatus triggered by a conflict during a live performance. The group ultimately disbanded following Reimer's death in 2012; subsequently, Matt Flegel and Mike Wallace established Preoccupations, while Patrick Flegel pursued his solo work as Cindy Lee.
History
The band's debut album, engineered by Chad VanGaalen, garnered favorable critiques from outlets including Pitchfork, AllMusic, and PopMatters. Their music fused influences akin to The Velvet Underground and The Zombies with a unique lo-fi sensibility. Pitchfork placed their song "Black Rice" at number 18 in its list of the best tracks of 2008.
After releasing their first album, Women embarked on extensive tours throughout North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom between 2008 and 2009. They played over 180 concerts at major festivals such as Barcelona's Primavera Sound, Austin's SXSW, Chicago's Pitchfork Music Festival, and London's The Lexington. Their tours included shared bills with bands like Mogwai, Deerhunter, and Eric's Trip. Additionally, Pitchfork recognized "Black Rice" as one of the top songs of the entire 2000s decade.
Their second studio effort, Public Strain, was released on September 28, 2010 via Flemish Eye and Jagjaguwar. The album received widespread praise from critics at Pitchfork, Exclaim!, and the BBC. It reached the number one spot on the !earshot Top 50 Chart in October of that year.
In late 2010, Women began touring Europe followed by a U.S. leg but had to cancel remaining shows after an altercation occurred during a performance at Victoria’s Lucky Bar. Although management initially refuted claims of a breakup, Matt Flegel later acknowledged that the incident prematurely ended their tour schedule. In February 2011, Pitchfork published a live video recorded shortly before their hiatus commenced.
Band members were also active in other musical endeavors: Patrick Flegel collaborated with Fels-Naptha; Michael Wallace participated in Friendo and Azeda Booth projects and toured with Porcelain Raft; Christopher Reimer joined The Dodos for touring activities in 2011.
On February 21, 2012, guitarist Christopher Reimer tragically died due to complications related to a heart condition. Subsequently, Chad VanGaalen released The Chad Tape, which included nine solo tracks by Reimer.
Following the end of Women, Matt Flegel and Mike Wallace went on to form Preoccupations (initially known as Viet Cong), while Patrick Flegel started his solo venture under the name Cindy Lee.
Studio albums
- Women (Flemish Eye / Jagjaguwar, 2008)
- Public Strain (Flemish Eye / Jagjaguwar, 2010)
Extended play
- Rarities 2007-2010 (Flemish Eye / Jagjaguwar, 2020)
Singles
- "Service Animal/Grey Skies" 7" (Jagjaguwar, 2010)
- "Women / Cold Pumas / Fair Ohs / Friendo Split 7"" (Faux Discx, 2011)
Video
- Pitchfork Presents: A Three Song Live Special (February 2011)
Chris Reimer
- The Chad Tape (Bandcamp, 2012)
Members
- Former
-
- Patrick Flegel – guitar, vocals (2007–2012)
- Matthew Flegel – bass, percussion, vocals (2007–2012)
- Michael Wallace – drums (2007–2012)
- Christopher Reimer – guitar, samples, vocals (2007–2012; deceased)