L7 – Bricks Are Heavy

L7 – Bricks Are Heavy

Released in 1992, Bricks Are Heavy is the landmark third studio album from Los Angeles band L7, combining the raw aggression of punk with grunge's heavy guitar sound and the confrontational spirit of alternative rock. Produced by Butch Vig, the album helped establish L7 as one of the most important and influential bands of the early-1990s underground and alternative scenes.

The record opens with "Wargasm," immediately setting the tone with distorted guitars, pounding drums, and Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner's fierce vocal delivery. "Scrap" and "Pretend We're Dead" continue the assault, with the latter becoming the band's best-known song and an enduring alternative rock anthem.

Throughout Bricks Are Heavy, L7 balance crushing riffs with sharp songwriting and a distinctly punk attitude. "Diet Pill" and "Everglade" deliver some of the album's heaviest moments, while "Slide" demonstrates the band's ability to combine melody with their trademark fuzz and aggression.

Side two keeps the intensity high with "One More Thing," "Mr. Integrity," and "Monster." The furious "Shitlist" is another defining track, built around a brutally simple riff and an explosive chorus, while "This Ain't Pleasure" brings the album to a suitably uncompromising close.

Although frequently associated with the riot grrrl movement, L7 occupied their own distinct position within the alternative rock landscape, combining punk's independence and attitude with the heaviness of grunge and metal. Their unapologetic lyrics and explosive live reputation made them influential well beyond the confines of the early-1990s scene.

Essential for fans of Hole, Babes In Toyland, Mudhoney, Bikini Kill, The Breeders, Sonic Youth, and grunge-era alternative rock, Bricks Are Heavy remains one of the defining records of 1990s guitar music and a must-have for any serious L7 or alternative vinyl collection.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Wargasm – 2:40
2. Scrap – 2:53
3. Pretend We're Dead – 3:53
4. Diet Pill – 4:21
5. Everglade – 3:18
6. Slide – 3:37

Side B

1. One More Thing – 4:07
2. Mr. Intergrity – 4:06
3. Monster – 2:56
4. Shitlist – 2:55
5. This Ain't Pleasure – 2:42