iSound

Balancing the tightrope between indie and mainstream rock, THE BRUISES embrace incredibly catchy choruses, dueling female vocal harmonies, and a serrated double guitar attack. Tipping their hats to acts such as Lush, that dog., and Sleater-Kinney, the band has forged a sound that is both unique and timeless. “We just make music we like, without trying to be a part of any fad or musical trend,” says guitarist/singer Jen Black. “I’d like to think that someone 10 or 20 years from now could enjoy our songs the same way they do at this moment.” THE BRUISES were formed in 2001 when Black, formerly of Illinois indie outfits The Velouria Beat and the Forecast, met acoustic singer-songwriter Aja Blue (yes, those are their real names). Initially hailing from Peoria, IL, the girls started out as a not-so-typical acoustic duo, bringing forth genuine rock energy to their live performances and to their 2002 LP “Last Summer”. The two toured relentlessly across the US in support of the album, whi...