Girl Trouble's New Album 'As Is' Marks a Long-Awaited Return to Garage Rock

The veteran band's comeback album promises to deliver the same raw energy that defined their earlier work, signaling a rebellion against the polished and the predictable.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:27am

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A striking black and white abstract composition featuring a jagged, angular silhouette shape that captures the raw energy and DIY spirit of the garage rock band Girl Trouble, conveying a sense of defiance and authenticity.Girl Trouble's return to the garage rock scene signals a rebellion against the polished and the predictable, offering a refreshing blast of authenticity in a music landscape dominated by algorithms and fleeting trends.Tacoma Today

The Tacoma-based garage rock band Girl Trouble is making a highly anticipated comeback with their new album 'As Is', their first release in 23 years. The album's arrival is seen as a statement against the current music landscape dominated by streaming algorithms and fleeting trends, as Girl Trouble's unfiltered sound offers a refreshing blast of authenticity. The band's influence on the grunge scene and their DIY ethos have cemented their legacy as the 'Northwest's garage rock demigods'.

Why it matters

Girl Trouble's return is more than just a nostalgia trip - it's a reminder of a time when rock 'n' roll was less about production value and more about attitude. Their comeback raises deeper questions about what it means for a band to stay relevant after decades in the industry, suggesting that true relevance lies in staying true to one's core rather than chasing trends. The album's release also hints at a potential resurgence of raw, backwoods-style rock in the coming years.

The details

As Is promises to deliver the same vibrato guitars, bedrock beats, and 'black crow vocal calls' that defined Girl Trouble's earlier work. The tracklist, which includes songs like 'Make It Mine' and 'Freedom Rock,' suggests a band that's still fighting for something, still hungry. The band's partnership with their original label home, K Records, is seen as a nod to their roots and a testament to the lasting relationships they've built in the industry.

  • Girl Trouble's last album was released in 2003.
  • The band is set to release their new album 'As Is' in 2026.

The players

Girl Trouble

A veteran garage rock band from Tacoma, Washington, known for their raw, unfiltered sound and influential role in the grunge scene.

Calvin Johnson

The founder of K Records, who has referred to Girl Trouble as the 'Northwest's garage rock demigods'.

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What’s next

Fans and music critics will be eagerly awaiting the release of Girl Trouble's new album 'As Is' to see how the band's return to their garage rock roots will influence the next generation of artists.

The takeaway

Girl Trouble's comeback is a defiant reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to stay exactly as you are. In a world that often feels sanitized, their return represents the enduring spirit of raw, authentic rock 'n' roll.