The members of Cootie Platoon love beer, cigarettes and rock. Surprise, surprise! What garage/punk band doesn’t love those things? Or at least claim to. They also love fishnets, tight short skirts, The Ramones and roller derby. If you’re thinking this band sounds a lot like a leftover product of the ’90s Riot Grrrl movement, you might be half right—but don’t underestimate the power of a girl rocking.
The members of Cootie Platoon are not at all new to the Portland music scene—their songs have been featured on several compilation cds, including Northwest Kicked In The Nuts, Monkey Business III and PDX POPNOW 2009. Singer/guitarist Melodie Beirwagen went through many bands, including some all-girl groups, before starting Cootie Platoon in 2001 with former members of the White Trash Debutantes, and Candyass via San Francsico transplant Rico De Guyo. Cootie Platoon’s style is similar to that of Veruca Salt, The Donnas and The Butthole Surfers. The band calls their sound "the Brady kids hopped up on cherry squishies," and even though I don’t quite see the connection, considering the Brady kids suck ass and Cootie Platoon doesn’t, I appreciate the imagery.
The Cootie Platoon plays with 48 Thrills, Minty Rosa and Molly Bolt on Friday, January 15th at The Red Room. 9:00 p.m., 21 and over.
– Deanna Uutela