Girl Trouble Returns with First Album in 23 Years

The iconic Pacific Northwest garage rock band makes a comeback, but will their raw sound still resonate in 2026?

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:42pm

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A striking, abstract composition of jagged, geometric shapes in bold red and black, capturing the rebellious spirit of a garage rock band's comeback.Girl Trouble's return to the music scene is a defiant statement about the enduring power of garage rock's raw, unfiltered sound.Tacoma Today

After a 23-year hiatus, the legendary garage rock band Girl Trouble is releasing a new album, 'As Is,' on June 26 via K Records. The band, known for their gritty, authentic sound that influenced the Pacific Northwest music scene, is facing questions about whether their style can still connect with audiences in an era dominated by hyper-produced pop and algorithm-driven playlists.

Why it matters

Girl Trouble's return is more than just another album release - it's a cultural moment that speaks to the enduring power of garage rock and the band's lasting influence on the music industry. Their comeback raises broader questions about the state of rock music and whether there is still room for the raw, unfiltered sound that defined their early work.

The details

Girl Trouble's new album, 'As Is,' features a mix of songs that hint at the band's rebellious spirit, like 'Make It Mine' and 'Freedom Rock,' as well as more contemporary-sounding tracks like 'The Ballad of Blowfly.' The album's title suggests a band comfortable in its own skin, presenting itself without frills or pretension. But the question remains: can Girl Trouble remain true to their roots while still feeling relevant in 2026?

  • Girl Trouble's new album, 'As Is,' is set to release on June 26, 2026.
  • The band's last album was released 23 years ago.

The players

Girl Trouble

An iconic garage rock band from the Pacific Northwest that influenced the region's music scene, including artists like Neko Case and Mudhoney.

Calvin Johnson

The founder of K Records, the label that will be releasing Girl Trouble's new album.

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What they’re saying

“Girl Trouble isn't just any band—they're the Northwest's garage rock demigods, as K Records founder Calvin Johnson aptly put it.”

— Calvin Johnson, K Records founder

What’s next

Fans and music critics will be closely watching the reception to Girl Trouble's new album, 'As Is,' to see if the band's raw, gritty sound can still resonate with audiences in 2026.

The takeaway

Girl Trouble's comeback is a testament to the enduring power of garage rock and a reminder that there is still an audience for authentic, unfiltered music in an increasingly polished and algorithm-driven industry. Their return raises deeper questions about the state of rock music and whether there is still room for the kind of raw, rebellious spirit that defined their early work.