The feminist hardcore punk band War on Women formed in 2011 in Baltimore. Lead singer Shawna Potter and guitarist Brooks Harlan were in a band together before they decided to start a new project. Recruiting Nancy Hornburg (guitar), Suzanne Werner (bass), and Evan Tanner (drums), the newly founded quintet began working on their debut release. The EP Improvised Weapons appeared in 2012 via Exotic Fever Records and marked them as a fiercely political group. Outside the band, Potter was an activist and founded the Baltimore chapter of the anti-street-harassment organization Hollaback! War on Women later signed to Bridge Nine Records, which put out their debut self-titled long-player in 2015. Their ferocious sound and politically charged, specifically feminist themes drew comparisons to the riot grrrl movement of the '90s and bands like Bikini Kill. Rather appropriately, Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, and the Julie Ruin joined the band for a guest spot on "YDTMHTL," which would be the first taste of their sophomore record. Capture the Flag was released in 2018 and was co-produced by J. Robbins of post-hardcore band Jawbox. The overtly feminist themes of the record coincided with the rise of the Me Too movement that sought to quash sexual harassment and assault. ~ Bekki Bemrose