Girl Trouble, the veteran garage rock outfit, is officially ending a two-decade silence. The band has announced the release of As Is, their first full-length album in 23 years, marking a significant return to the independent music scene.
The upcoming album is scheduled for release on June 26, returning to the band’s original label home, K Records, in partnership with Wig Out!. The announcement comes alongside the debut of a new single, “Create It Mine,” signaling a revival for the group after a prolonged hiatus from the recording studio.
For fans of the garage rock revival and the DIY ethos of the Pacific Northwest, the return of Girl Trouble represents more than just a new set of tracks; We see a homecoming to one of the most influential independent labels in American history. The reunion underscores the enduring appeal of the “Olympia sound” and the persistence of the garage rock spirit.
A Homecoming to K Records
The decision to release As Is through K Records connects the band back to the foundation of their career. Founded in 1982 by Beat Happening frontman Calvin Johnson in Olympia, Washington, K Records has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the development of independent music since the 1980s.
K Records established itself as a pioneer of the DIY (do-it-yourself) movement, famously operating out of Johnson’s kitchen in its early years. The label is widely credited as a catalyst for the riot grrrl movement and the second wave of American punk during the 1990s. By returning to this label, Girl Trouble aligns itself once again with a legacy of offbeat pop and indie rock that prioritized artistic independence over commercial polish.
The label’s history is deeply intertwined with the cassette culture of the 1970s and early 1980s, and it served as an early platform for artists such as Modest Mouse, Built to Spill, and Beck. This heritage of regional underground music provides a fitting backdrop for the return of a veteran act like Girl Trouble.
Details on ‘As Is’ and ‘Make It Mine’
The new project, titled As Is, will be available in multiple formats to cater to both modern listeners and vinyl enthusiasts. According to the K Records official website, the album is being offered on LP and CD, with prices starting from $15.
The lead-up to the June 26 release is being spearheaded by the single “Make It Mine.” The track serves as the first glimpse into the band’s current sonic direction after 23 years without a studio album. While the band is described as “veteran garage rockers,” the collaboration with Wig Out! and K Records suggests a continuation of the raw, energetic style that defined their earlier work.
The release is cataloged under the identifier [WO5/KLP322], reflecting the joint effort between the two labels. This partnership ensures that the record reaches a global audience while maintaining the boutique, independent feel associated with the Olympia scene.
The Impact of a 23-Year Hiatus
A gap of 23 years between studio albums is rare in the modern music industry, where the pressure for constant content creation often forces artists into frequent release cycles. For Girl Trouble, this hiatus places As Is in a unique position, serving as both a legacy project and a contemporary statement.
The return of garage rock veterans to a label that helped define the genre’s independent infrastructure highlights the cyclical nature of music trends. As listeners increasingly gravitate toward analog formats—such as the LPs and cassettes championed by K Records—the raw, unvarnished sound of garage rock finds a renewed sense of relevance.
The anticipation surrounding the June 26 release suggests that there remains a strong appetite for the authentic, regional sounds that emerged from the Washington underground decades ago.
Quick Facts: Girl Trouble’s Return
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Album Title | As Is |
| Release Date | June 26 |
| Labels | K Records / Wig Out! |
| Lead Single | “Make It Mine” |
| Formats | LP, CD |
| Hiatus Length | 23 Years |
The next confirmed milestone for the band is the official release of As Is on June 26. Fans can monitor the K Records mail order department for availability and shipping details.
Do you have memories of the Olympia indie scene or early K Records releases? Share your thoughts and favorite tracks in the comments below.