While attending high school in the mid-’90s, the ladies who make up the punk-pop sound of the Applicators weren’t exactly concerned with going to the prom or dating the star quarterback. Instead, the Applicators — Sabrina (vocals), Erica (guitar), Kristina (bass), and Stephanie (drums) — played instruments and worshiped the likes of the Cramps, Motörhead, the Breeders, and the Jam. Each had saved every penny to buy her own equipment, but it wasn’t until early 1999 that the fearsome foursome would connect for the Applicators in their native Austin, TX. Over the next few years, the Applicators honed a wicked pop sound, sharing dates with the Teen Idols, Fear, and their heroes, Bad Religion. Bad Religion/Circle Jerks guitarist Greg Hetson caught one of these shows and liked the band’s raw appeal. He went on to produce the Applicators’ debut album, What’s Your Excuse, which appeared in summer 2002.
– MacKenzie Wilson
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