Throwing Muses

Driven by the vivid songwriting of fiery vocalist Kristin Hersh, Throwing Muses are a study in contrasts—a band that combines dream pop’s gorgeous melodies and harmonies with stormy and sometimes abrasive guitar work. Hersh and her stepsister, Tanya Donelly, formed the band in Rhode Island in the early ’80s. The group’s 1985 demo release The Doghouse Cassette spawned the twang-folk hit “Sinkhole” and led to Throwing Muses becoming the first American band to sign with the influential UK label 4AD. After releasing a 1986 self-titled debut and 1988’s strident House Tornado, they earned a higher profile by channeling their turbulence into more straight-ahead alternative rock, as evidenced by singles such as “Dizzy” and “Counting Backwards.” Donelly left the band after 1991’s The Real Ramona and cofounded the rock band Belly. Throwing Muses enjoyed their biggest success yet in 1995 with the throttling “Bright Yellow Gun” from the University LP, but they broke up two years later. The band returned with a 2003 self-titled album and remain sporadically active on the touring and recording front, while Hersh keeps a busy schedule with solo work and touring, other projects (including the ferocious band 50 Foot Wave), and writing books. In 2020, Throwing Muses released Sun Racket, which echoed their earlier, more minimalist work.