Bulletproof Stockings
Bulletproof Stockings | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | BPS |
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Genres | Jewish music, alternative rock |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Members | Perl Wolfe Dalia Shusterman |
| Website | bulletproofstockings |
Bulletproof Stockings is an American Hasidic alternative rock band from the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, New York. Formed in 2011 by Perl Wolfe and Dalia Shusterman, the group independently released its debut EP, Down to the Top the following year. They have been noted for their unique sound among Jewish music, as well as their adherence to the prohibition of kol isha by performing for all-female audiences.
Band history
Bulletproof Stockings was formed in December 2011 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, after the two founding members, singer-songwriter Perl Wolfe and ex-Hopewell drummer Dalia Shusterman, met through a mutual acquaintance.[1]
The band independently released their first official recording, the EP Down to the Top, on April 1, 2012.[2] They have toured throughout New York since forming, and have announced plans for a full-length album.[1]
Musical style and performance
Bulletproof Stockings play a style of alternative/indie rock[1][3] with songwriting influenced by Hasidic Judaism, even using melodic structures from traditional Chabad Niggunim.[4]
Their sound has been compared to that of Adele, Nina Simone, Fiona Apple, and Florence and the Machine, with influences including Radiohead, The White Stripes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jane's Addiction.[1] Perl Wolfe's lyrics, while not all obviously religious, are nevertheless said to be inspired by "Torah and by Lubavitch’s version of Hasidic faith".[4]
In concert, the band is known for adhering to the rabbinic prohibition of kol isha by only admitting women to their live shows. Wolfe argues that this is beneficial: "Women will party and rock out in a completely different way when there’s nobody there but women."[5]
Band members
- Perl Wolfe — lead vocals, piano
- Dalia G. Shusterman — drums
- Touring members
Discography
Down to the Top EP
| Untitled | |
|---|---|
Down to the Top is the debut EP by Bulletproof Stockings, released on April 1, 2012.
Track listing
- Frigid City — 3:41
- Easy Pray — 4:08
- Vagabond's Wagon — 3:53
- Off Track — 4:26
Personnel
References
- ^ a b c d Ghert-Zand, Renee (Oct. 2012). "Ladies (and not gentlemen): The Bulletproof Stockings!". Times of Israel. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Down to the Top". Amazon.com. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
- ^ Tabachnick, Toby (Aug. 2012). "Indie band Bulletproof Stockings refreshingly original". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b Osgood, Kelsey (Dec. 10, 2012). "Abrahamic Rockers". The New Yorker. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Marsh, Julia (Oct. 2012). "Hasidic girl band Bulletproof Stockings lights up Crown Heights". New York Post. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)
External links
- Simi Lampert, "Lady Hasidic Alt Rockers" The Forward, October 2012
- "You've Got Bulletproof Stockings", AOL video interview, February 2013