Everglade

The song "Everglade" by L7 from their 1992 album Bricks Are Heavy is a gritty anthem that captures the raw energy of the band's punk-grunge ethos. One piece of trivia about the song comes from its lyrical content, which tells the story of a girl named Glade who confronts a drunk, aggressive guy in a mosh pit. The lyrics, with lines like "Rednecks on parade / Don't cross my line," are both humorous and defiant, reflecting L7's knack for blending social commentary with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. In a 2016 Decibel Magazine feature, the song was praised for its "stupid but awesome" lyrics, highlighting its ability to combine melody and punk rock spirit into a cohesive package. The track was released as the second single from the album, and its music video, directed by Modi Frank, leaned into the band's chaotic live performance vibe, further cementing its place as a fan favorite.

Another interesting tidbit about "Everglade" is its connection to the broader cultural context of the early '90s. L7 was often associated with the grunge movement, but they resisted being pigeonholed. In a 2022 interview with Guitar.com, Donita Sparks reflected on the band's struggle to maintain their underground credibility while achieving mainstream success. "Everglade" embodies this tension, with its polished production by Butch Vig—known for his work on Nirvana's Nevermind—yet retaining the band's raw, unapologetic edge. The song's mosh pit narrative also resonates with L7's real-life experiences, as they were known for their wild live shows. A 1992 Chicago Reader review noted that the song's depiction of a girl fighting back in the pit was a powerful, if somewhat simplified, feminist statement, showcasing L7's ability to address gender dynamics in a male-dominated scene.

L7 was formed in 1985 in Los Angeles by guitarists and vocalists Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner. The two met through mutual connections in the Echo Park art-punk community, bonding over a shared love for bands like the Ramones and Black Flag. Sparks described meeting Gardner as "one of the happiest days of my life" in a 2016 Wikipedia entry, noting their instant musical synchronicity. Both were involved with the LA Weekly, with Gardner also active as a poet and having sung backing vocals on Black Flag's "Slip It In." They started performing at local punk and metal venues with a rotating lineup before solidifying the band with bassist Jennifer Finch and drummer Demetra Plakas. Their early years were marked by a DIY ethic, recording their debut album through Epitaph Records and later signing with Sub Pop for their second album, Smell the Magic. By the time they signed with Slash Records for Bricks Are Heavy, L7 had built a reputation as a fierce live act with a unique blend of punk, metal, and pop influences.

The band's rise was fueled by their relentless touring and advocacy for social issues. In 1991, they co-founded Rock for Choice, a pro-choice concert series that raised funds for women's rights, performing alongside bands like Nirvana and Hole. Their commitment to feminism and rejection of the "all-girl band" label—choosing the name L7, slang for "square," to avoid gender stereotypes—set them apart. Despite their breakup in 2001, L7 reunited in 2014 and continues to tour, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Bricks Are Heavy in 2022 with a deluxe reissue and full-album performances. Their enduring influence is evident in their inclusion on lists like Kerrang!'s "Ten Bands No One Expected to be So Influential Today" in 2019.

Fans of L7 can connect with the band through their official website at l7theband.com, where they share tour dates, merch, and news. On social media, they are active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, posting updates about performances and behind-the-scenes content. For fan communities, the L7 Official Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant space where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memories, photos, and discussions about the band's legacy. Additionally, fan-run sites like Last.fm offer detailed discographies and community-driven content for those looking to dive deeper into L7's music and history.