Two Ton Boa

Fronted by indie rock woman Sherry Fraser, Two Ton Boa hones their individual fetishes with mysterious lovelorn lyrics to craft a melodic musical sound similar to the likes of Sleater-Kinney. Originating from Olympia, WA, Two Ton Boa incorporates Fraser's lofty use of the oboe and English horn as well as playing the bass, piano, and organ. Joining her are drummer Dan Rieser and ex-Fitz of Depression bassist Brian Sparhawk; Rachel Carns and Radio Sloan also complete the rhythm section. Marcy Playground is a fan, for the band covered Two Ton Boa's "Comin' Up from Behind" for the Cruel Intentions soundtrack and scored a tiny hit with the aptly titled cut "Sherry Fraser" on their 1997 eponymous debut. Two Ton Boa captured their swooning swing arrangements and icy wordplay on their own self-titled debut in fall 1999, released on Kill Rock Stars. It was not until almost seven years later, however, that the band's follow-up — and first full-length album — Parasiticide, which saw production work from labelmate the Paper Chase's John Congleton, came out.