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The Regrettes
The Regrettes
The Regrettes
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The Regrettes were an American punk rock band from Los Angeles. The band was led by frontwoman Lydia Night.[1][2] They released three studio albums on Warner Records: Feel Your Feelings Fool! (2017),[3][4][5][6] How Do You Love? (2019), and Further Joy (2022).

Key Information

History

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2015: Early career and Hey! EP

[edit]

Prior to the formation of the band, lead vocalist Lydia Night met guitarist Genessa Gariano, bassist Sage Chavis, and drummer Maxx Morando in music school.[2][3] At the time, Gariano, Chavis and Morando were in a band together,[7] called "Genessa"[8] and Night was in the two-piece band Pretty Little Demons (who changed their name to The Regrettes in the last few months of life) with drummer Marlhy Murphy. Both of the bands played a concert together, but soon after[9] Murphy departed from the band after the release of their EP "Hey!" on October 16, 2015,[10] leading to Night asking Gariano, Chavis, and Morando to join. The "Hey!" EP came to the attention of a representative at Warner Brothers, which would eventually led to them signing the band.[11] In 2016, the band toured with both Tacocat and Sleigh Bells, opened for Kate Nash, and performed at South by Southwest.[2][12][13]

2015–2017: Feel Your Feelings Fool!

[edit]
The Regrettes performing at When We Were Young Festival 2017
Night (left) and Sage Chavis (right) performing at When We Were Young Festival 2017

In 2015, the band's independent release led to a record deal with Warner Bros. Records.[14] Their first album was produced by Mike Elizondo and their first single, "A Living Human Girl", was released in June 2016.[15] Other singles followed including "Hey Now", "Hot", and "Seashore."[16][17] On January 13, 2017, the band released its debut studio album, Feel Your Feelings Fool!.[1] In May 2017, the band announced a summer headlining tour which includes stops at Summerfest and Riot Fest.[6] On February 9, 2018, the band released the single "Come Through," from their EP Attention Seeker, released on February 23, 2018.[18] It was accompanied by a music video. On May 9, 2018, the band announced Morando's departure.[19] On May 22, 2018, the tour bus containing all their belongings was stolen from outside the Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, UK where they later played a sold-out gig. [20] On May 31, 2018, the band contributed the sixth Hamildrop, a cover of the song "Helpless". Lin-Manuel Miranda credited producer Mike Elizondo as having suggested the idea.[21] On September 3, 2018, the band announced Sage Chavis' departure,[22] being replaced by Violet Mayugba.[19]

2018–2023: How Do You Love?, Further Joy, and disbandment

[edit]

On November 28, 2018, the band announced the departure of Mayugba and recruitment of Brooke Dickson as their new bass player.[23] From February 6 to March 17, 2019, The Regrettes were the opening act of Twenty One Pilots' European leg of The Bandito Tour.[24] On June 18, 2019, the band announced their second studio album, How Do You Love?. The album was released on August 9, 2019.[25] The song "I Dare You" was the 77th-best-performing single of 2019 on the Tokio Hot 100.[26]

The Regrettes released their third studio album, Further Joy, on April 8, 2022.[27]

On November 14, 2023, the band announced that they were splitting up to "work on other projects." In tandem, they announced a farewell show at the Fonda Theater on December 21, 2023.

Musical style

[edit]
The Regrettes performing in 2018. Left to right: Gariano, Night, Violet Mayugba

The Regrettes' musical style has been labeled as punk rock,[28][14] riot grrrl,[29][30] garage pop,[12][13] and garage punk,[31][32] featuring elements of garage rock, '60s doo-wop and surf music,[30] rockabilly,[33] and pop music.[31] Michael Bialas, a writer at PopMatters described their sound as "girl-group power-pop punk"[23] In an article by Culture Collide, their style was described as "Channeling classic doo-wop through a catchy garage-punk filter" and as bringing "a level of impassioned aggression to tried-and-true pop structures, creating a compelling product with significant crossover appeal."[32]

Lyrically, their music has been described as following themes such as women's empowerment,[23] feminism,[32] politics,[34] and love.[35] In an article by The Verge, their lyrics were described as "brash and unapologetic".[36]

They also cite musical influences including Bikini Kill, L7, 7 Year Bitch,[37] Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, The Ronettes, Hole,[38] The Crystals, Lesley Gore and Patsy Cline.[39]

Band members

[edit]

Final lineup

  • Lydia Night – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards (2015–2023), lead guitar, bass (2015)
  • Genessa Gariano – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2015–2023)
  • Brooke Dickson – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2018–2023)
  • Drew Thomsen – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2018–2023)

Former members

  • Marlhy Murphy – drums, backing vocals (2015)
  • Maxx Morando – drums (2015–2018)
  • Sage Chavis – bass, backing vocals (2015–2018)
  • Violet Mayugba – bass, backing vocals (2018)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

EPs

[edit]

Singles

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Regrettes

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from Grokipedia
The Regrettes were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2015, fronted by vocalist and songwriter Lydia Night, with a sound drawing from garage punk, indie rock, and pop. The group, initially comprising Night alongside rotating members including guitarist Genessa Gariano, bassist Brooke Dickson, and drummer Drew Thomsen in its final lineup, released three studio albums through Warner Records: Feel Your Feelings Fool! (2017), How Do You Love? (2019), and Further Joy (2022). Emerging from the Los Angeles music scene as teenagers, the band quickly built a following through raw, high-energy performances that echoed 1960s girl groups and punk influences, earning praise for their direct lyrical themes on youth, relationships, and social issues. They headlined sold-out tours across North America and Europe, appeared on late-night television programs, and performed at prominent festivals including Coachella and Reading and Leeds. Despite lineup changes over the years, the Regrettes maintained a core emphasis on live dynamism and independent ethos until announcing their disbandment in November 2023, culminating in a final show at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on December 21.

Formation and Early Career

2015: Band Formation and Hey! EP

The Regrettes were formed in 2015 in by , then aged 15, who took on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. Night recruited her fellow students from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts—Genessa Gariano on , Sage Rosen on bass, and Brooklyn Cowherd on drums—to complete the lineup, drawing from Night's prior experience in short-lived youth bands like Pretty Little Demons. The group's early ethos emphasized raw punk energy, with Night citing inspirations from and garage punk to channel adolescent frustration into high-octane performances; their debut show opened for at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, showcasing a no-holds-barred stage presence that belied the members' youth. In October 2015, the band self-released their debut EP, Hey!, a four-track effort recorded with contributions from Marlhy , who had collaborated with Night previously. The EP included "Hey Now!", "", "A Living Human Girl", and "Bronze", blending punchy riffs and sassy lyrics that highlighted the band's punk-driven sound. Tracks like "Hot" quickly gained notice through local live circuits, establishing the Regrettes as a fresh voice in ' underground scene with their unpolished, high-energy delivery. The Hey! EP's style fused punk's aggression with melodic nods to girl groups, as Night described drawing from '50s and '60s pop structures to craft confessional, therapeutic songs over garage-rock chords. This combination yielded a distinctive rawness, prioritizing emotional directness and youthful irreverence over polished production, which resonated in early reviews praising the band's ability to evoke vintage pop hooks amid punk's DIY spirit.

2016–2017: Rise to Prominence and Feel Your Feelings Fool!

Following the release of their debut EP Hey! in 2015, the Regrettes signed with Warner Bros. Records by November 2016, marking a significant step in their early career trajectory. This deal enabled the band to expand beyond local performances and prepare for their first full-length album. The band's debut studio album, Feel Your Feelings Fool!, was recorded and released on January 13, 2017, through . The 15-track record delves into themes of adolescent angst, interpersonal relationships, and feminist perspectives, exemplified by songs such as "A Living Human Girl," which critiques pressures and societal expectations on young women. Other tracks like "Hot" and "Seashore" explore romantic frustrations and self-assertion with raw, unfiltered lyrics reflective of the members' teenage experiences. Early critical reception highlighted the album's authenticity, with reviewers noting its genuine emotional expression and rejection of polished facades common in contemporary pop-punk. Outlets praised the band's ability to channel personal vulnerabilities into energetic punk-infused tracks without contrivance. In 2016 and 2017, the Regrettes undertook tours supporting established acts, including Kate Nash and appearances at events like SXSW, which broadened their exposure within indie and punk circuits. These outings underscored the gritty realities of live performances in the scene; for instance, in October 2017 during a set at the Growlers Six festival, lead singer Lydia Night was physically assaulted onstage by a costumed audience member reportedly under the influence of drugs, an incident that drew attention to safety concerns for young performers. The band continued touring undeterred, solidifying their rising status through resilient live shows.

Mid-Career Evolution

2018–2019: How Do You Love? and Touring

The Regrettes released their second studio album, How Do You Love?, on August 9, 2019, through . Produced by , the record represented a sonic evolution from the band's punk-driven debut, integrating surf-pop and retro influences with introspective songwriting on themes of romantic uncertainty, self-awareness, and relational dynamics. Lead singer , aged 18 during recording and 19 at release, contributed reflecting matured perspectives on love and identity, diverging from the raw adolescent rebellion of prior work. Preceding the album, the band issued the single "California Friends" on October 5, 2018, which explored the hesitations and intensities of young romance through vivid, playful imagery. Additional singles "I Dare You" and "Dress Up" further previewed the album's blend of energetic pop hooks and emotional depth. These tracks underscored the group's genre experimentation, balancing punk energy with more polished, feel-good arrangements. In promotion of How Do You Love?, The Regrettes undertook extensive touring across and , headlining sold-out venues and festival appearances. Notable performances included a show at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood on September 20, 2019, and a set at the Life is Beautiful Festival in the following day. These live efforts highlighted the band's growing stage presence and ability to translate their evolving sound to audiences amid the period's focus on personal and artistic maturation.

2020–2022: Further Joy Amid Industry Challenges

The Regrettes navigated the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted live touring and strained the music industry from 2020 onward, by focusing on creative output for their third studio album, Further Joy. Released on April 8, 2022, via Warner Records, the record marked a shift toward more polished production amid these external pressures. The album's themes center on pursuing and fulfillment while confronting anxiety, interpersonal dynamics, and the emotional toll of isolation during and post-quarantine. Frontwoman described the songwriting process as therapeutic, emphasizing presence and personal growth forged through the record's creation. Tracks like "That's What Makes Me Love You" exemplify this blend of upbeat energy masking deeper insecurities, reflecting the band's experiences of young adulthood under constraints. Musically, Further Joy evolved from the band's earlier and punk influences toward alt-pop and sensibilities, incorporating catchier structures and broader sonic experimentation. This progression stemmed from a desire for artistic freedom, with band members noting the album as their most enjoyable and liberated production to date, involving collaborative input on arrangements despite pandemic-era remote challenges. Interviews highlighted a "fuck it" mentality in embracing pop elements previously understated, signaling greater creative in contrast to prior label dynamics.

Disbandment and Aftermath

2023: Announcement, Farewell, and Dissolution

On November 14, 2023, The Regrettes announced their disbandment through a joint post, stating that after nine years together, the band members—, Genessa Gariano, Brooke Dickson, and Drew Thomsen—had mutually decided to part ways to pursue individual projects and personal growth. The announcement emphasized an amicable split, with the group expressing gratitude to fans and reflecting on their shared experiences without citing conflicts or external pressures as factors. Initially planned as a single farewell performance, the band scheduled their final show for December 21, 2023, at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, their hometown venue, to mark the end of their run. Demand led to the addition of shows on December 20 and 19, creating a three-night residency that sold out quickly, with the setlists drawing from their catalog across albums like Feel Your Feelings Fool!, How Do You Love?, and Further Joy. These performances featured high-energy renditions of tracks such as "A Living Human Girl," "Seashore," and "You're So Fucking Pretty," serving as a comprehensive retrospective of their evolution from garage punk roots to more polished rock sounds. As of October 2025, no plans for have been announced by the members, who have instead advanced separate endeavors, underscoring the finality of the 2023 dissolution despite the band's origins as a youthful ensemble formed in 2015.

Post-2023: Member Solo Projects

Following the band's dissolution in December 2023, frontwoman , then approximately 23 years old, pursued a solo career in alt-pop, marking a shift from the group's roots toward more introspective and romantically themed songwriting focused on personal reinvention. She released her debut solo single, "Pity Party," on April 4, 2025, accompanied by a self-directed co-helmed with Ramisha Tijani. This track initiated her solo era, emphasizing emotional vulnerability and pop-leaning production. Night's first full-length solo album, Parody of Pleasure, arrived on August 8, 2025, via , featuring songs that explore themes of romantic uncertainty and creative liberation after years in a band formed during her adolescence. The album's release followed singles like "Gutter," and included a video for "Meltdown" on October 23, 2025, highlighting her transition to minimalistic, instinct-driven pop without the collaborative band dynamic. Critics noted the project's embrace of "romantic chaos" as a deliberate evolution, though some observed inconsistencies in sonic cohesion reflective of her post-band experimentation. Other former members, including Genessa Gariano, Brooke Dickson, and Drew Thomsen, have maintained relatively low public profiles in music since the 2023 disbandment, with no major solo releases or reunions announced as of October 2025. The band's eight-year span, starting from Night's formation at age 14, underscored its brevity amid the members' youth, prompting reflections in music outlets on the challenges of sustaining early-teenage ensembles into adulthood without internal fractures.

Musical Style and Influences

Core Elements and Genre Shifts

The Regrettes' foundational sound drew from garage punk and traditions, emphasizing distorted electric guitars, rapid tempos, and abrasive vocal deliveries that conveyed youthful defiance. This raw aesthetic defined their 2017 debut album Feel Your Feelings Fool!, where tracks like "A Living Human Girl" fused punk urgency with riffs to prioritize unfiltered emotional expression over technical refinement. The style's core relied on minimalistic arrangements that amplified live-wire energy, often evoking '60s garage influences through lo-fi textures and group vocal harmonies. As the band matured, their palette expanded into alternative pop and synth-infused tracks, yielding more danceable rhythms and layered instrumentation on releases like the 2022 album Further Joy. Singles such as "" marked this pivot, trading punk's distortion for melodic hooks and electronic elements that broadened accessibility while retaining rhythmic drive. Genessa Gariano described this as intentionally "letting go of ," allowing for hybrid forms that integrated pop sheen without diluting thematic bite. The shift causally stemmed from artistic growth and repeated lineup adjustments, enabling experimentation with tempo variation and harmonic complexity absent in earlier work. Lyrically, the Regrettes consistently probed , sexuality, and through candid narratives that rejected reductive tropes in favor of psychological realism. Frontwoman Lydia Night's writing in songs like "WHATTA BITCH" dissected intra-female toxicity and societal judgment, framing self- as a messy process tied to real vulnerabilities rather than idealized defiance. Tracks such as "You're So Fucking Pretty" confronted sexual awakening and identity flux with frustration-laced , while Further 's title reflected a deliberate reframing of struggles as cyclical pursuits beyond superficial . This approach critiqued genre norms by privileging causal emotional chains—such as fear inhibiting —over performative , grounding feminist themes in empirical personal . Production techniques transitioned from garage-era DIY rawness, achieved via basic recording setups despite an early 2016 Warner Bros. signing, to refined polish on subsequent albums enabled by label resources. Producer Mike Green, Warner's A&R representative, oversaw this evolution starting with Feel Your Feelings Fool!, introducing cleaner mixes and studio enhancements that amplified instrumental clarity without eroding core honesty. The label's investment causally facilitated broader sonic tools, such as synth integration and expansion, which supported genre diversification but risked homogenizing the band's edge—a tension Night addressed by insisting on lyrical primacy amid industry gloss.

Key Influences and Songwriting Approach

The Regrettes' frontwoman has frequently cited 1960s girl groups such as , , and as primary influences, drawn to their harmonious structures and emotional directness in storytelling. Night's early exposure, facilitated by her parents' curated music selections including '50s rock like and , further shaped this foundation, emphasizing lyrical narratives rooted in personal vulnerability. Additional punk and alternative touchstones, such as and , informed the band's raw energy, while contemporary artists like contributed to Night's appreciation for witty, confessional . Night's songwriting process typically originates from simple chord progressions and melodies, often conceived spontaneously—such as in the or during daily routines—and recorded for band development. These foundational elements evolve collaboratively, with band members interjecting drawn from shared or individual experiences, prioritizing authenticity over abstraction. Central to this approach is a commitment to empirical depictions of adolescent realities—addressing insecurities, societal pressures, and unfiltered emotions—rather than romanticized tropes, as evidenced in early works like "A Living Human Girl," which critiques performative perfectionism. This method extended to occasional fusions of punk urgency with surf rock-inspired rhythms, reflecting Night's diverse listening history including . Over time, Night's technique incorporated co-writing with producers, as in sessions yielding tracks from personal narratives of resilience and , maintaining a core emphasis on , journey-based even amid stylistic expansions toward pop sensibilities. Such adaptability in method, while enabling broader thematic exploration like in later releases, has been observed by some as occasionally tempering the band's foundational punk incisiveness in favor of melodic versatility.

Personnel

Core and Former Members

The Regrettes, active from 2015 to 2023, featured as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist from inception to dissolution, alongside Genessa Gariano as lead guitarist, who also contributed backing vocals and keyboards. These two formed the band's foundational creative partnership, spanning all releases and tours. Early lineup changes occurred in 2018, with original drummer Maxx Morando departing in May and bassist Sage Chavis leaving in September; Chavis was briefly replaced by Violet Mayugba on bass. Marlhy had served as on initial recordings like the 2016 single "Hey!" before Morando's primary tenure. By 2019, the configuration stabilized with Brooke Dickson joining on bass and Drew Thomsen on drums, supporting albums such as How Do You Love? and Further Joy. This lineup persisted until the 2023 disbandment announcement.
MemberInstrument(s)Tenure
Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards2015–2023
Genessa GarianoLead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards2015–2023
Marlhy MurphyDrums2015
Maxx MorandoDrums2015–2018
Sage ChavisBass, backing vocals2015–2018
Violet MayugbaBass2018
Brooke DicksonBass, keyboards2019–2023
Drew ThomsenDrums2019–2023

Lineup Changes

The Regrettes underwent their principal lineup alterations in 2018, shortly after releasing their debut album Feel Your Feelings Fool! Drummer Maxx Morando, an original member who had joined following a brief stint by Marlhy Murphy, departed amicably on May 10, 2018, citing a desire to pursue other opportunities; he was promptly replaced by Drew Thomsen, enabling the band to continue touring without significant interruption. Bassist Sage Chavis, another founding member, announced her exit on September 3, 2018, also on friendly terms amid the group's evolving dynamics as young musicians; Violet Mayugba initially filled the role, contributing to tracks like "Poor Boy" released that . Mayugba's tenure proved short-lived, however, and Brooke Dickson assumed bass duties later in 2018, solidifying the configuration in time for sessions on the sophomore album How Do You Love?. These transitions, driven by individual artistic growth rather than conflict, marked the last substantive shifts before the core quartet—Lydia Night, Genessa Gariano, Dickson, and Thomsen—remained intact through subsequent releases and tours until the band's mutual dissolution in 2023.

Discography

Studio Albums

The Regrettes issued three studio albums over the course of their career, each released via imprints and available in digital download, CD, and vinyl formats. Their debut, Feel Your Feelings Fool!, arrived on January 13, 2017, marking the band's transition from independent EPs to major-label production with a raw punk-inflected sound. The sophomore effort, How Do You Love?, followed on August 9, 2019, expanding into more polished pop-rock territory while exploring themes of relationships and ; it reached number 68 on the . Further Joy, the final studio album, was released on April 8, 2022, incorporating brighter synth elements and addressing personal anxieties amid lineup stability.
AlbumRelease dateLabel
Feel Your Feelings Fool!January 13, 2017
How Do You Love?August 9, 2019
Further JoyApril 8, 2022

Extended Plays (EPs)

The Regrettes' debut , Hey!, was self-released in 2015. The five-track recording, produced by of Blank Tapes, captured the band's nascent garage punk sound with songs including "Hey Now!", "Hot", "The Regrets", "Houseplant", and "Blank Tapes". Initially available digitally via platforms like and , the EP highlighted frontwoman Night's songwriting alongside early collaborators, predating the full band's formation. The band's second EP, Attention Seeker, followed on February 23, 2018, through Warner Bros. Records. Produced by and featuring a vinyl edition, it comprised two original tracks—"Come Through" and "Red Light"—plus a cover of ' "A Teenager in Love" and acoustic renditions of "Hey Now!" and "A Living Human Girl" from their debut album. The release bridged their punk roots with pop sensibilities, emphasizing Night's vocal delivery and the rhythm section's contributions.

Notable Singles

"A Living Human Girl", released on June 23, 2016, marked an early promotional single for the band, emphasizing themes of and acceptance through lyrics confronting societal beauty standards. The accompanying , directed by Steven Mertens, premiered on July 22, 2016, and depicted frontwoman embracing imperfections in a raw, performative style. "Seashore", issued as a single on November 11, 2016, ahead of the band's debut Feel Your Feelings Fool!, critiques manipulative romantic pursuits with a surf-punk edge blending breezy melodies and pointed lyrics about insincere advances. The official followed on June 12, 2017, reinforcing the track's influences. It gained traction in indie circles for its fourth single status from the , though without major chart placement. "Poor Boy", released on November 16, 2018, as a standalone single, directly responded to the U.S. confirmation of amid allegations, using garage-punk delivery to challenge victim-blaming and demand accountability. The lyric video accompanied its debut, amplifying its timeliness during national debates on and power dynamics. Like prior releases, it prioritized cultural commentary over commercial charting, resonating in . These tracks, while not achieving mainstream success—evidenced by absence from major official charts—highlighted the band's punk-rooted and contributed to their indie following through streaming platforms and video views.

Critical Reception and Commercial Performance

Album Reviews and Metrics

The debut album Feel Your Feelings Fool! (2017) garnered acclaim for its raw, energetic punk-infused sound and candid lyrics addressing adolescent themes, with reviewers highlighting its "perfectly rough edges" and "ballsy candor" that exceeded the band's young age. aggregated four professional reviews, reflecting broad positivity without a numerical metascore due to limited coverage, alongside user scores from nine ratings. Critics noted its empowering romp quality, though some observed overly safe production tempering its rebellious potential. The follow-up How Do You Love? () maintained strong reception for its explosive energy and confident exploration of relationships, earning seven positive and three mixed reviews on , with descriptors like "reliably explosive" and "tamed rock" that balanced power chords with reflective introspection. Outlets praised its high-school aesthetic vitality and seamless treats, positioning it as a mature evolution from the debut's rawness. Further Joy (2022) marked a stylistic shift toward pop elements, receiving seven unanimously positive professional reviews on and praise for lyrical depth on and amid bright tones. Kerrang! highlighted its "proud pop streak" influenced by artists like , while awarded 4/5 stars for retaining emotional vigor and personal growth despite sanding off punk edges. Some critiques noted diluted intensity in tracks like "La Di Da," though overall maturity was lauded as a "glass half full" response to life's challenges.
AlbumRelease YearMetacritic BreakdownNotable Song Streams (Spotify, as of latest data)
Feel Your Feelings Fool!4 reviews (positive aggregate)"Seashore": 20,483,818
How Do You Love?70% positive, 30% mixed"I Dare You": 16,443,797; "California Friends": 15,343,669
Further Joy2022100% positive (7 reviews)"Pumpkin": 24,317,116; "Barely on My Mind": 18,634,454
The band's albums achieved modest commercial traction primarily through streaming, with no major Billboard chart peaks documented, reflecting niche appeal in indie and pop-punk circuits rather than mainstream dominance.

Achievements and Criticisms

The Regrettes achieved notable early success through their authentic, high-energy live performances and rapid industry recognition, signing with Warner Bros. Records within months of forming in 2015 at ages as young as 15. Their debut album Feel Your Feelings Fool! (2017) and subsequent releases built a dedicated fanbase drawn to the band's unfiltered expression of adolescent experiences, with reviewers highlighting the raw honesty in tracks blending punk urgency and pop hooks. Festival appearances, including Coachella in 2018, further amplified their visibility among indie rock audiences valuing riot grrrl-inspired defiance. Despite initial hype as a fresh voice in Los Angeles punk revival, the band faced criticisms for modest commercial outcomes relative to their buzz; albums like Further Joy (2022) charted minimally on platforms such as Billboard, with no entries in major sales rankings and streaming metrics reflecting niche rather than mainstream appeal. Some observers noted an overreliance on personal-political themes—explicitly framed by frontwoman Lydia Night as intertwined, with songs addressing consent and societal pressures—potentially diminishing broader universality in favor of targeted messaging akin to riot grrrl tropes. This approach, while praised for candor, coincided with stylistic shifts from garage punk to more polished pop elements, alienating portions of their core audience expecting sustained raw edge. Empirically, the band's longevity proved limited despite prodigious early output: three studio albums across seven years, followed by disbandment in late 2023, marking a compressed arc that underscored challenges in sustaining momentum beyond adolescent novelty. No major awards or nominations materialized, with acclaim confined to indie circuits rather than translating to enduring commercial viability.

Controversies

Allegations Against Associated Figures

In July 2020, , lead singer of The Regrettes, publicly accused Joey Armstrong, drummer of the band , of emotional abuse, manipulation, , and sexual coercion during their romantic relationship, which spanned from 2016 to shortly before her 18th birthday in 2019. Night, who was 16 at the relationship's start, described Armstrong—who was 21—as holding a position of power over her due to his greater age, industry experience, and influence within their shared punk and circles, including joint tours and label affiliations under . She alleged specific coercive behaviors, such as pressuring her into unwanted physical contact (e.g., placing her hand on his body) and shaming her for expressing discomfort, framing these as non-consensual acts enabled by the imbalanced dynamic rather than mutual agreement. Armstrong issued a statement on July 21, 2020, acknowledging the relationship and his personal shortcomings, stating, "I respect her immensely and fully accept that I failed her as a partner," while emphasizing private apologies (including a handwritten one after Night confronted him in December 2019) and denying any intent to coerce, instead characterizing the interactions as consensual despite his selfishness. Night critiqued an initial band statement as performative, noting its failure to address Armstrong's role directly amid the group's broader support for survivors. No criminal charges were filed, and the claims remain unadjudicated allegations, though the age disparity and professional context highlight vulnerabilities inherent to adolescent involvement in adult-dominated environments, where access to tours and networks can amplify exploitative risks without implying guilt in unproven specifics. The accusations precipitated the dissolution of , as guitarists and vocalists and Max announced their departure from the band days later on July 22, 2020, citing with Armstrong and an inability to continue under the circumstances. In October 2022, the brothers publicly elaborated on the fallout, expressing regret over prior band dynamics and affirming the severity of the allegations against Armstrong, though they avoided legal details. This incident unfolded against a wave of similar disclosures in the indie scene, contributing to ' abrupt closure on July 22, 2020, after multiple misconduct claims against affiliated artists and staff eroded its operations.

Political Statements and Backlash

The Regrettes released the single "Poor Boy" on November 16, 2018, explicitly as an in response to his confirmation as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice following allegations by multiple women, including . The track addresses rape culture and victim silencing, with declaring "Poor boy, what ya gonna do? / When us girls are comin' for you," framing accusers as empowered challengers to presumed perpetrators. Band members described it as born from frustration with unchecked assault narratives, aligning the group with feminist punk traditions that prioritize personal testimony over institutional processes. Lead singer has voiced broader political positions, including support for the against the Trump administration, where she reported feeling "scared" by inauguration events and emphasized that "being personal is being political." In October 2018, ahead of midterm elections, Night stated her voting motivation stemmed from anger, reflecting the band's integration of leftist activism into their identity. Live dedications, such as framing the 2017 performance video of "Seashore" as targeted at , further illustrate their onstage critique of conservative figures and policies. The band's riot grrrl-inspired , emphasizing female solidarity and DIY punk rebellion against , positions their statements within a lineage of third- and fourth-wave that often conflates individual experience with systemic critique. Night has cited growing up with these influences, using to confront and encourage among young women. However, this approach echoes riot grrrl's historical tensions, including criticisms of sidelining in favor of belief-based narratives and limited inclusivity toward non-cis or non-white voices, though The Regrettes' output has largely avoided such direct accusations. Backlash to these statements has been muted in mainstream music coverage, which often normalizes such from young female punk acts without probing artistic trade-offs or presumptive stances on contested allegations like Kavanaugh's. An October 2017 onstage altercation at in —where a costumed member physically confronted Night mid-set—drew intervention and a promoter apology but was attributed to crowd disruption rather than ideological opposition, amid the band's emerging political visibility. Broader punk traditions, including riot grrrl's excesses like unsubstantiated claims and performative outrage, provide context for occasional dismissals of the band's output as prioritizing ideology over melody, though specific critiques of The Regrettes remain sparse compared to supportive press in outlets like and , potentially reflecting genre biases toward progressive narratives.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-regrettes-mn0003523295
  2. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-regrettes-break-up-1234879216/
  3. https://www.theregrettes.com/
  4. https://consequence.net/2023/11/the-regrettes-announce-breakup/
  5. https://www.musicconnection.com/signing-story-the-regrettes/
  6. http://blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/2018/07/17/a-teenager-in-rock-the-regrettes-lydia-night-part-one/
  7. https://www.discogs.com/release/10933434-The-Regrettes-Hey
  8. https://stompandstammer.com/feature-stories/the-regrettes/
  9. https://myspace.com/article/2016/9/20/regrettes-getting-to-know
  10. https://pixlet.net/the-regrettes-interview/
  11. https://riffmagazine.com/interview/riff-w-the-regrettes-np25/
  12. https://crescentvale.com/2016/12/regrettes-announce-debut-album-feel-feelings-fool/
  13. https://genius.com/albums/The-regrettes/Feel-your-feelings-fool
  14. https://nylon.com/articles/regrettes-feel-your-feelings-fool-track-by-track
  15. https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2017/01/30/review-feel-feelings-fool-regrettes/
  16. https://observer.com/2017/01/the-regrettes-lead-singer-wants-girls-to-feel-their-feelings/
  17. https://schedule.sxsw.com/2016/events/event_MS35544
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  22. https://genius.com/albums/The-regrettes/How-do-you-love
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  25. https://www.sfexaminer.com/culture/regrettes-lydia-night-preaches-empowerment/article_85517964-8ffb-5096-af88-aa69962bef79.html
  26. https://whenthehornblows.com/content/2019/8/8/album-review-the-regrettes-how-do-you-love
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  35. https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/index.php/the-regrettes/18391
  36. https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/the-regrettes-further-joy/
  37. https://www.spin.com/2022/06/the-regrettes-futher-joy-lydia-night/
  38. https://www.stereogum.com/2242739/the-regrettes-are-breaking-up/news/
  39. https://www.kerrang.com/the-regrettes-announce-split-and-one-final-show
  40. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/the-regrettes-farewell-fonda-l-a-12-19-23/
  41. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-regrettes/2023/the-fonda-theatre-los-angeles-ca-1bae5158.html
  42. https://floodmagazine.com/151233/the-regrettes-fonda-final-show/
  43. https://www.aol.com/pop-star-lydia-night-leaving-050000795.html
  44. https://www.theindiescene.co.uk/news/regrettes-disbandment
  45. https://consequence.net/2025/04/lydia-night-debut-single-pity-party/
  46. https://rocksound.tv/news/lydia-night-launches-solo-era-with-pity-party
  47. https://www.kerrang.com/lydia-night-debut-solo-album-parody-of-pleasure-new-single-gutter-the-regrettes-pop
  48. https://femmusic.com/2025/10/23/lydia-night-meltdown/
  49. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/features/lydia-night-the-regrettes-pop-star-parody-of-pleasure-b2776740.html
  50. https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/lydia-night/lydia-night-parody-of-pleasure-album-review
  51. https://www.girltalkhq.com/meet-the-regrettes-not-just-a-girl-band-but-a-teen-group-that-has-something-to-say/
  52. https://www.indieshuffle.com/the-regrettes-monday
  53. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/the-regrettes-genessa-gariano-further-joy
  54. https://whus.org/2023/01/the-regrettes-on-the-evolution-of-their-music-live-shows-and-social-media/
  55. https://genius.com/The-regrettes-ladylike-whatta-bitch-lyrics
  56. https://www.kerrang.com/the-regrettes-talk-sexuality-on-new-song-youre-so-fucking-pretty
  57. https://floodmagazine.com/66473/the-regrettes-break-down-how-do-you-love-track-by-track/
  58. https://highlark.com/the-regrettes-interview/
  59. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/aug/11/the-regrettes-how-do-you-love-review
  60. https://www.newsweek.com/regrettes-arent-punk-bandtheyre-just-honest-1702399
  61. https://www.highroadtouring.com/teen-rocker-lydia-night-is-empowering-women-by-not-giving-a-shit/
  62. https://www.euphoriazine.com/blog/2020/07/interviews-the-regrettes/
  63. https://guitargirlmag.com/interviews/lydia-night-regrettes-confesses-feels-conan-obrien-playing-london-crowds-sing-along/
  64. https://www.vogue.com/article/the-regrettes-teen-band-you-need-to-know
  65. https://www.musicconnection.com/the-regrettes-drummer-loss/
  66. https://music.mxdwn.com/2018/09/03/news/the-regrettes-announce-departure-of-bassist-sage-chavis-has-quit-and-will-release-a-new-album-in-2019/
  67. https://www.discogs.com/master/2417200-The-Regrettes-Hey
  68. https://www.highroadtouring.com/artists/the-regrettes/
  69. https://dailycampus.com/2018/05/26/2018-5-25-music-made-for-teenagers-by-teenagers-an-interview-with-lydia-knight-of-the-break-out-punk-band-the-regrettes/
  70. https://hearteyesmagazine.com/record-reviews/2018/11/17/the-regrettes-release-powerful-new-track-poor-boy
  71. https://www.nylon.com/the-regrettes-how-you-love
  72. https://www.clashmusic.com/next-wave/next-wave-854-the-regrettes/
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  76. https://gloriousnoise.com/2018/watch-the-regrettes-play-jimmy-kimmel-live
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  114. https://www.dcmusicreview.com/lydia-night-of-the-regrettes-on-feminism-the-birthplace-of-punk-and-hair/
  115. https://assembly.malala.org/stories/how-the-riot-grrrl-movement-helped-me-gain-confidence
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  117. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/making-the-girl-band_n_58ed03a7e4b0df7e2045c149
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