Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and an evolving roster of drummers (Dave Grohl wouldn’t join the band until 1991’s Nevermind) came together to distill raw, unpolished essence of the Pac Northwest’s burgeoning grunge scene with their debut album Bleach, setting the stage for a sound that would eventually change a generation. Recorded in a modest session costing just $600, Bleach was a product of both their intensity and the strained support from their label Sub Pop Records. The label’s financial troubles and Cobain’s dissatisfaction with their handling of the band created tension, but those challenges seemed to fuel the raw, high-octane energy that permeated the record’s sound.
Bleach is a brooding, abrasive snapshot of a band on the cusp of greatness. Songs like “About A Girl” showcased Cobain’s knack for pop melody wrapped in grungy distortion, while “School” and “Negative Creep” were primal anthems of disillusionment and rage. The visceral “Scoff” exemplified their knack for heavy, feedback-laden grooves. Initially overlooked, Bleach sold a mere 40,000 copies before Nirvana’s seismic breakthrough with Nevermind. However, in the wake of their success, fans revisited the album, propelling it to double platinum status and solidifying it as a foundational piece of grunge history.
Standout Songs: “About A Girl”, “School”, “Negative Creep”, “Scoff”
