Key Points
- Kira Roessler returns with new album “Enigma,” her first release in five years.
- “Enigma is the continuation of the narration of my life through song,” Roessler explained.
- Album is a family collaboration, featuring her brother Paul Roessler and Petra Haden.
In the early ‘80s, Kira Roessler made a name for herself playing bass in Black Flag alongside frontman Henry Rollins and the band’s founder, guitarist Greg Ginn, adding a nimble female touch to the testosterone-fueled rage of the late period lineup of the legendary punk band
After her two years in Black Flag, which ended when the band broke up in 1985, she went on to form Dos, a two-piece band with her now former husband Mike Watt of the Minutemen. Her punk credentials date back to her pre-Black Flag days as a member of Twisted Roots with former Germs and future Nirvana and Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear. While she’s kept a low profile in the music world of late, Roessler has returned to the scene with Enigma, her first album in five years due on July 10, and the preview track, “You Will Feel My Pain,” out now.
The new release marks her first new music since her 2021 return to the scene with her acclaimed debut solo album. Roessler turned 65 on June 12.
“Enigma is the continuation of the narration of my life through song — honest, if over-dramatized statements about what is in those moments,” Roessler explained in a statement. “Leaning into the raw feeling of it all. I feel very lucky to be able to share some new music with those who listen.”
She also spoke about the first track released from the album, “You Will Feel My Pain,” which examines the moment when inner turmoil can no longer be hidden under wraps over a tasteful jazz-like blend of piano and melodic bass lines.
“What happens when my inner turmoil leaks out to the rest of the world?” Roessler explained. “You will, they all will feel my pain.”
In a sense, Enigma is a family affair with her brother and fellow punk legend Paul Roessler of the Screamers and 45 Grave fame co-producing the album with Kira. Also featured on the album is Petra Haden of the band that dog, who provides.
The album also features a lounge music-like take of the Black Flag rager “Drinking and Driving” in which Roessler’s restrained croon replaces Rollins’ fist-in-your-face vocals.
While Roessler has been absent from the music scene, she didn’t abandon the world of entertainment entirely as she has built an impressive career as a sound editor for movies and TV. Her credits include Mad Max: Fury Road, Game of Thrones, and Project Hail Mary.
About the author
Craig Rosen is a trending news writer at Parade, covering the latest music and celebrity news, entertainment updates, and lifestyle trends. He’s the author of The Billboard Book of Number One Albums and R.E.M. Inside Out: The Stories Behind Every Song, and his writing has been published in AARP the Magazine, TIDAL, Yahoo! Music, Men’s Health, The Hollywood Reporter and the Los Angeles Times.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source parade.com ’
