| Pity Sex | |
| Origin: | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Years Active: | 2011–2016,[1] 2022, 2024–present |
| Label: | Forward, Run for Cover |
| Current Members: | Brennan Greaves Britty Drake Michael Cesario Sean St. Charles |
| Past Members: | Derrick Daniel Brandan Pierce Michael Politowicz Anthony Heubel |
Pity Sex are an American alternative rock band from Ann Arbor, Michigan.[2] The band formed in 2011, and released two studio albums – Feast of Love (2013) and White Hot Moon (2016) – prior to their split. The band combined elements of indie rock, shoegaze, dream pop and noise rock in their music, and were described by Pitchfork as "post-coital pop-punk".[3] The band announced its reunion in 2022, as part of the Sound & Fury festival line-up.
Pity Sex has cited several bands as influences, including My Bloody Valentine, Pixies, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr.,[4] and Yo La Tengo.[5]
Having formed and recorded a demo in 2011, eventually releasing it as a split cassette with Brave Bird, Pity Sex would go on to release their debut EP, Dark World a year later on Forward Records to positive reviews.[6] [7] [8]
In 2013 the band released their debut album, Feast of Love, on Run For Cover Records.[9] Following the band signing to Run For Cover Records the Dark World EP would also be re-released through Run For Cover Records. 2014 saw them touring with labelmates Adventures, Basement, and Tigers Jaw, among others. In September of that year, the band also toured Australia for the first time. In October 2014, the band released a split EP with Adventures, with each band's side featuring one original song and one cover. Pity Sex chose to cover the Pixies' "Gigantic". Guitarist Brennan Greaves helped to create the artwork, in collaboration with Kimi Hanauer of Adventures. In the summer of 2015, the band completed a US tour with punk rock band Ceremony. It was around this time that recording for their next album would be completed.
On September 28, 2015, the band released a new digital single, entitled "What Might Soothe You?", through NPR.[10] The single was released alongside a statement announcing the impending release of their new album "White Hot Moon." The album was released in the spring of 2016, and was preceded by a vinyl edition of "What Might Soothe You?".
In August 2016, it was announced that vocalist/guitarist Britty Drake was to leave the band after a final show supporting Best Coast. The band completed their remaining tour dates in Japan and Australia with Greaves taking on full lead vocal duties and Anthony Heubel joining the band on lead guitar. Following the conclusion of their tour, the band announced an indefinite hiatus in October 2016. The band released their final single and video, "Burden You," created by Playlab, in conjunction with the announcement as a parting gift of sorts.
The members of Pity Sex largely ceased playing music following the end of the band. Greaves formed a new band, Goodyhead, in 2018; they released their debut EP Proof of Life in July 2021. Heubel formed a solo project, Anthony Heubel & The High Lonesome, which released an EP entitled Tell Me What You Find in February 2021.
On May 5, 2022, Pity Sex made an announcement on their Twitter and Instagram page that they were playing Sound and Fury in Los Angeles, California in July.[11] Greaves, Drake and St. Charles all participated in the reunion, with Drake's husband Michael Cesario joining on bass.
In June 2023, the band announced an anniversary vinyl reissue of Feast of Love.[12]
In February 2024, the band announced they would perform at the Tied Down festival in Detroit, Michigan in June. Greaves, Drake and Cesario were joined by new drummer Derrick Daniel of Never Ending Game.[13] In July of 2024, as confirmed by the band's Instagram posts, Sean St. Charles returned to play drums.
| Year | Title | Director | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "Wind Up" | Alex Henery | |
| 2015 | "What Might Soothe You?" | Joel Rakowski | |
| 2016 | "Burden You" | Daniel Antebi |