Durham, North Carolina’s the Butchies cut their punk-pop with overtly lesbian and feminist lyrical concerns. Formed by former Team Dresch principals Kaia Wilson (vocals/guitar) and Melissa York (drums), and former Poor Valentino bassist Alison Martlew, the issues-oriented band released their eclectic, edgy debut ARE WE NOT FEMME? in 1998. The punkier POPULATION 1975, produced by former dB Chris Stamey, followed a year later. In 2001, the group released the Greg Griffith-produced THREE and toured with Indigo Girl Amy Ray. MAKE YR LIFE, arguably the Butchies' strongest, most mature effort, saw release on Yep Roc in 2004, but the group went on hiatus in 2005.