International Women’s Week 2025

Chapter 2: Plush

Rock originated in the U.S. and the U.K., and then spread to the rest of the world. Since the 1980s it has been on a steady decline in its countries of origin, even as it explodes in other regions. That global explosion is a major part of what I usually write about.

Women played a big part in the golden age of rock here, before largely fading from the scene here. But all is not lost. There are still a handful of women fighting the good fight and keeping women’s voices in the mix. One of the most promising young all-female bands is Plush. I have previously written about them. From that article:

“Plush are a young rock and roll band that hail from upstate New York. They got off to a fast start right out of high-school, being invited to open for major names like KISS, Evanescence, Alice in Chains and Slash. Their debut album included two songs that charted on the Billboard Top 40, which, these days, is rare for a rock band. They have been touring almost non-stop since they were founded.

Lineup:

Moriah Formica (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, main songwriter)

Bella Perron (lead guitar, backing vocals)

Ashley Suppa (bass guitar, backing vocals)

Faith Powell (drums; replaced founding member Brooke Colucci)

Plush have explicitly said they want to play a part in keeping old-school rock alive. They also want to inspire girls to follow their dreams regardless of societal obstacles. They are joining a small but potent club of woman-led bands in North America with similar aspirations. Others that come to mind include Halestorm, the Pretty Reckless, and Liliac.

I’ve been checking in on them since they first showed up, and they are progressing rapidly, developing a sonic identity built around Formica’s potent vocals and aggressive riffing from the guitar and bass.”

Plush’s music is rooted in old-school four-on-the-floor hard rock. Their songwriting is rapidly evolving, into something darker and more sophisticated than their early material. Their latest work has a real edge to it, accentuated by their growing technical confidence.

In the prior post I featured their cover of Heart’s “Barracuda”, which takes advantage of Formica’s uncanny ability to channel Ann Wilson.

Here are two of their recent original songs. As you will see, they are becoming a real powerhouse.

“Left Behind”

Plush have talked about being “different”, and how it has only strengthened them. This is not a rare story for artists who are breaking convention. From the lyrics to this song:

Here's to all the blood of the misfits
Live it up in the underground
To the ones who are down in the trenches
Give 'em hell, give it one more round
(Give 'em hell, give it one more round)

“Hope it Hurts” (2024)

This is edging into pretty dark territory. The lyrics are self-explanatory. It’s a gorgeous composition, with a brutal edge that borders on metal.

i can't unhear what you said
you're so messed in the head
for all the pain that you spread to me

you got to live with the fact
you stuck a knife in my back
and then you laughed while you watched me bleed

what you got coming to ya you did to yourself
now you got coming to ya everything i felt

Plush are touring frequently. If they come to your area, don’t miss them!