Inspired by the emergence of the riot-grrrl movement spearheaded by bands like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile and Heavens to Betsy, singers/guitarists Carrie Brownstein and Becca Albee teamed with drummer CJ Phillips to form the Olympia, WA-based Excuse 17 in 1993. A series of compilation appearances preceded the trio's 1995 Kill Rock Stars debut Such Friends Are Dangerous; a self-titled effort for Chainsaw followed later that year, but in the wake of a split single with Lync, Excuse 17 disbanded.