Four years ago, Atlanta punk-rockers The Coathangers were more of a weeknight jam session than a formidable band. Since the days of their late-night recorded practices, the all female four-piece have transformed from a group of amateur musicians into a staple of East Atlanta Village’s music scene. From guitarist Julia Kugel’s off-kilter singing/shrieking to drummer Stephanie Luke’s dominant stage presence, The Coathangers have carved out their own little niche of fresh feminist-laced punk.
The band took to the stage as part of online culture magazine PurgeATL’s launch party at the Earl, playing in between fellow Atlantans Sealions and The Selmanaires. From the playful mess-around attitude in their first moments warming up on stage, The Coathangers appeared ready to pump some much needed energy into this Sunday night event. Between the likes of romping chants of “Stop Stomp Stompin’” to the pure ridiculousness of “Nestle In My Boobies,” The Coathangers knocked off song after song of their refreshingly entertaining act. As they made their way through the set, The Coathangers found themselves constantly rotating instruments on seemingly every song—an surprising feat given their relatively short life as professional musicians together.
After receiving the shots of whiskey she requested through her microphone, drummer/vocalist Stephanie Luke came out to the front for the last couple of songs, most notably on the rambunctious “Don’t Touch My Shit.” On this number, Luke led the band in throwing every beer can or bottle in sight in an anger-filled bout that would most certainly make one think twice about touching any of their belongings. Between their lighthearted wit and chick-rock spontaneity, The Coathangers increasingly endeared to the crowd, somewhat recalling an American version of satirical, tongue-in-cheek rockers Art Brut. Considering they have only been together for such a short time, their show was all the more impressive.
(Written for Performer Magazine)
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