Girl Trouble Returns with 'As Is' - First Album in 23 Years!

The Garage Rock Revival: Girl Trouble's Long-Awaited Comeback and What It Means for Music

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A striking abstract composition featuring bold, jagged geometric shapes in high-contrast red and black, capturing the raw energy and rebellious spirit of Girl Trouble's garage rock revival.Girl Trouble's raw, backwoods garage rock sound makes a triumphant return after 23 years, challenging the polished mainstream with an unapologetic attitude.Tacoma Today

The veteran garage rock band Girl Trouble is making a highly anticipated comeback with the release of their first album in 23 years, titled "As Is". This return is seen as a testament to the enduring power of underground music scenes, as the band was part of the Pacific Northwest's indie rock explosion in the 1980s, rubbing shoulders with legends like Mudhoney and Soundgarden. Their 1988 album "Hit It or Quit It" was Sub Pop's first full-length release, underscoring their influential role in shaping the label's identity.

Why it matters

Girl Trouble's return is more than just a nostalgia trip - it's a statement about the enduring appeal of authentic, gritty rock 'n' roll in an era dominated by digital production and auto-tuned vocals. Their raw, backwoods style feels like a rebellion against the polished mainstream, and their comeback comes at a pivotal moment for the genre, which has been declared 'dead' countless times yet keeps resurfacing in new forms.

The details

Described by K Records founder Calvin Johnson as 'rock 'n' roll done in a backwoods style,' the album "As Is" features the band's signature vibrato guitar and black crow vocal calls, delivering a sound that is gritty, unapologetic, and alive. Garage rock, at its core, is about authenticity and stripping away excess to get back to the roots of what makes music compelling - and Girl Trouble's ability to maintain that essence after decades is nothing short of remarkable.

  • Girl Trouble was founded in 1984 as part of the Pacific Northwest's indie rock explosion.
  • The band's 1988 album "Hit It or Quit It" was Sub Pop's first full-length release.
  • "As Is" is Girl Trouble's first album in 23 years, released in 2026.

The players

Girl Trouble

A veteran garage rock band from Tacoma, Washington, that was part of the Pacific Northwest's indie rock scene in the 1980s and helped shape the identity of the Sub Pop record label.

Calvin Johnson

The founder of K Records, who described Girl Trouble's new album "As Is" as 'rock 'n' roll done in a backwoods style.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As Is" is 'rock 'n' roll done in a backwoods style.”

— Calvin Johnson, Founder, K Records

What’s next

With the release of "As Is," Girl Trouble seems poised to reclaim their place in the spotlight, and their comeback could potentially inspire a new wave of garage rock bands. Their influence has already been felt by artists like Neko Case and Beat Happening, and there's no reason to believe it won't continue to reverberate through the music scene.

The takeaway

Girl Trouble's return is more than just a new album - it's a cultural moment that reminds us that music isn't just about trends, but about passion, persistence, and the courage to stay true to yourself. In a world where authenticity is often in short supply, their ability to maintain their identity over decades is something worth celebrating.