[5] Originally a solo project for founder Sadie Dupuis, from 2011 a full band incarnation has released three EPs and three LPs mostly on Carpark Records.

Dupuis explained that when she began making demos for this project, her "roommate had passed away of a heart attack super young...And [her] childhood best friend had overdosed."

Club's David Brusie wrote "Major Arcana is a markedly assured debut, one that makes Speedy Ortiz an act to watch.

[19] On February 11, 2014, the band released the Real Hair EP on Carpark Records reuniting with Paul Q Kolderie and Justin Pizzoferrato.

[23] In the fall, the band released another song, "Doomsday," via Famous Class' LAMC series in which all digital proceeds went to the Ariel Panero Memorial Fund at VH1 Save the Music.

Dupuis noted in an interview with Pitchfork that as a "stay-at-home talking-to-no one kind of person", she identified with the "image of this gilded, shiny deer, which is naturally sort of a skittish, reclusive animal".

[26] Jill Mapes of Pitchfork noted in her review that, "[T]he album is ferocious and visceral, the lyrics gleaming with threads involving sharp blades both literal and figurative...As Dupuis grows more self-possessed, she and her bandmates veer into their most ambitious compositions to date.

"[27] Joe Coscarelli of The New York Times praised the album, noting that it was "As if Fiona Apple joined a punk band, with...even more vocal confidence".

[28] Also in 2015, Speedy Ortiz cleaned up in the top three categories of The Boston Music Awards, including artist, album/EP (Foil Deer), and song of the year ("Raising the Skate").

They also won for best charitable effort for donating net proceeds from their latest tour to the Girls Rock Camp Foundation.

The band embodies what the genre of punk rock started out as—powerful guitars and a dominant stage presence—but have also brought along the bold message that no matter who you are or what you’re feeling, you’re OK." In support of the record, the band toured extensively in North America and Europe tours supported by artists including Mitski, Alex G, Downtown Boys, Palehound, Krill, and Trust Fund as well as embarking on co-headline dates with Ex Hex, The Good Life, and Hop Along.

On February 20, 2017, the band released the track "In My Way" as part of the Our First 100 Days compilation, benefiting organizations that support causes endangered by the Trump administration.

Ferm left the band shortly after Twerp Verse's release, and was replaced by Audrey Zee Whitesides (formerly of Worriers).