Bulletproof Stockings

Bulletproof Stockings
Also known as BPS
Origin Brooklyn, New York, USA
Genres Jewish music, alternative rock
Years active 2011–present
Associated acts Hopewell
Website bulletproofstockings.com
Members Perl Wolfe
Dalia Shusterman

Bulletproof Stockings is an American Hasidic alternative rock band from the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, New York. Formed in 2011 by Perl Wolfe and Dalia Shusterman, the group independently released its debut EP, Down to the Top the following year. They have been noted for their unique sound among Jewish music, as well as their adherence to the prohibition of kol isha by performing for all-female audiences.

Band history

Bulletproof Stockings was formed in December 2011 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, after the two founding members, singer-songwriter Perl Wolfe and ex-Hopewell drummer Dalia Shusterman, met through a mutual acquaintance.[1]

The band independently released their first official recording, the EP Down to the Top, on April 1, 2012.[2] They have toured throughout New York since forming, and have announced plans for a full-length album.[1]

Musical style and performance

Bulletproof Stockings are known for playing alternative and indie rock music[1][3] influenced by the members' Hasidic beliefs, even using melodic structures from traditional Chabad Niggunim.[4]

Their sound has been compared to that of Adele, Nina Simone, Fiona Apple, and Florence and the Machine, while the band themselves has cited influences including Radiohead, The White Stripes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jane's Addiction.[1] Lead singer Perl Wolfe has said that her lyrics, while not always blatantly religious, are nevertheless inspired by "Torah and by Lubavitch’s version of Hasidic faith".[4]

In concert, the band is known for adhering to the rabbinic prohibition of kol isha by only admitting women to their live shows. Wolfe argues that this is beneficial to their audience: "Women will party and rock out in a completely different way when there’s nobody there but women."[5]

Band members

Touring members

Discography

Down to the Top EP

Down to the Top EP
EP by Bulletproof Stockings
Released April 1, 2012
Genre Alternative rock
Length 16:08

Down to the Top is the debut EP by Bulletproof Stockings, released on April 1, 2012.

Track listing

  1. Frigid City — 3:41
  2. Easy Pray — 4:08
  3. Vagabond's Wagon — 3:53
  4. Off Track — 4:26

Personnel

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Ghert-Zand, Renee (Oct 2012). "Ladies (and not gentlemen): The Bulletproof Stockings!". Times of Israel. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  2. ↑ "Down to the Top". Amazon.com. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  3. ↑ Tabachnick, Toby (Aug 2012). "Indie band Bulletproof Stockings refreshingly original". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Osgood, Kelsey (Dec 10, 2012). "Abrahamic Rockers". The New Yorker. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  5. ↑ Marsh, Julia (Oct 2012). "Hasidic girl band Bulletproof Stockings lights up Crown Heights". New York Post. Retrieved 31 March 2013.

External links