Review Summary: The unofficial soundtrack to third-wave feminism.
Feminism is arguably one of the most divisive political currents in modern American society. It's discussions and ideas can be found touching on issues ranging from reproductive rights to domestic violence and wealth inequality, to name a few. Depending on your political philosophy, feminism is either synonymous with the SS, or long-past-due liberation. If you fall into the latter, then Bikini Kill's Pussy Whipped is the sound of liberation.
Formed in 1990, Bikini Kill has been hailed as the forerunner of the Riot Grrrl movement, which can also be regarded as the beginning of third-wave feminism. Combining the angry urgency and political consciousness of punk with modern feminist ideology, Bikini Kill created a political statement for following generations of would-be feminists. But don't take anyone's word for it, Pussy Whipped speaks for itself. Even, and perhaps especially, in today's climate of watered-down or outright appropriation of feminist ideas (a la Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl"), Pussy Whipped resounds even more clearly. Somewhere in between punk rock love songs, tongue-in-cheek references to blowjobs and ensuing violence and calling out angry men on their victim complex, the listener realizes that these women (and the single male member of the band) are the real deal.
Providing a musical palate for the politics is a rowdy punk soundtrack. The guitars are gritty and consistent, the drums are aggressive, and the vocals are everything one would expect from a rambunctious outfit. Kathleen Hanna is the quintessential punk vocalist: blunt, eager, and mad as hell with something to say. The cut "Rebel Girl" is the the track most people have likely heard at some point, and if you haven't, you should. Right now.
It's hard to say much more about Bikini Kill. You'll either like them, or you won't. One thing is damn sure though, they don't give a damn what you think, and they're more than capable of speaking for themselves. So if you like punk (and don't suck, here's looking at all you MRA supporters), go give this album a try.
Tracks to check out:
Rebel Girl
Sugar
Blood One
