The band signed to the independent label Caroline Records and its European subsidiary City Slang,[2] and released its debut studio album, Pretty on the Inside, in August 1991.

Pretty on the Inside was a critical success,[3] especially in the United Kingdom, where the album's lead single, "Teenage Whore", peaked at number 1 in the UK Indie Chart.

[5] Due to creative differences, Emery and Rue left the band prior to the deal and were replaced by Kristen Pfaff and Patty Schemel, respectively.

The band postponed the album's supporting tour and recruited bassist Melissa Auf der Maur.

[6] Following the tour in support of the album, Auf der Maur left the band and joined The Smashing Pumpkins in 2000, and Love and Erlandson disbanded Hole in May 2002.