Lovers is a band of young lesbians you should know about. Their CD Dark Light will be released next month, and they're about to start a national tour of dive bars. I'm loving their music and their gender bender vibe, and I'd like to say that I'll definitely see their show in Boston on Nov. 14, but, ladies, it's a Sunday night and I have to teach the next day.This Portland, Oregon-based trio is led by charismatic Carolyn Berk, a Massachusetts native nicknamed Cubby. Cubby is the frontman, and she writes the music. The band has had previous configurations, but she is the creator and constant. Her own butch/femme presentation, however, seems in flux over time, which I fully encourage. She's the mop head in the middle (above) and at left (below). And looking like a punk little sister version of Rachel Maddow, don't you think? The Boston Phoenix calls her an "entrancing spell-caster." Emily Kingan—in purple shirt (above) and with camera (below)—is the drummer, but sometimes she's playing guitar. She made a tour video documenting just how cute these three are. And Kerby Ferris is the synth chick, but sometimes she's playing drums. They both sing backup to Cubby. These dykes are versatile and talented and just will not be fenced in.
In addition to being adorable, they seem like a bunch of arty smarties: "Lovers craft an intimate portrait of female friendship, sexuality, and evolution as an infinite process." That's from their website. My favorite song is Tonight, from the band's previous album, I Am the West, which is available on iTunes. Lovers say their sound is "the softer side of rage." Self-described as loud and proud sisters, they also do not seem to mind being called radical lesbian feminists. Mostly, though, they sing raw love songs accompanied by driving beats. If you want to return to the deep throb of emotions when you were their age, or if you want to experience it vicariously, listen to Lovers.
