REBEL GRRRL: A GENRE REVIEW

By: Emily Eade 

During the 1990s came a genre of music that was seen as “angry, girl music.” This genre would come to be known as Riot Grrrl, girl music written by girls throughout the feminist movement. Riot Grrrl took over the male-dominated punk scene by storm with their expressive voices, loud music, and angry lyrics. 

Here are just some of the bands that fall into this genre:

Bikini Kill is known for their heavy punk sound, truthful lyrics, and their fiery presence. The American punk rock band was formed in Olympia, Washington in the year of 1990 by members; Kathleen Hanna (vocalist), Billy Karren (guitarist), Kathi Wilcox (bassist), and Tobi Vail (drummer). Taking influence from Babes in Toyland's live performances and ability to build a feminist community through the punk scene. The band would later become a pioneer of the Riot Grrrl movement due to their political lyrics, zines, and confrontational live shows. The band would later disband in 1997 but would have reunion tours throughout the years. The album that best fits their style of music is their self-titled album, Bikini Kill.

Bratmobile is known specifically for their surf-like punk sound. The American punk rock band was formed in 1991 in Olympia, Washington by members; Allison Wolfe (vocalist), Molly Neuman (drummer), and Erin Smith (guitarist). The band took influence from pop, surf, and garage rock. They would also become one of the pioneers of the Riot Grrrl movement due to their feminist activism, Riot Grrrl zines, and the grasp of trying to reclaim girlhood. The band would disband on stage in 1994, but would reunite multiple times after. The album that best fits their style of music is their 1993 album named, Pottymouth. 

Jack Off Jill is known for their raging stage presence and intense lyrics. The American alternative rock band was formed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1992 by members Jessicka (vocalist), Michelle Inhell (guitarist), Agent Moulder (bassist/keyboardist), and Tenni Ah-Cha-Cha (drummer). Babes in Toyland influenced the band, as did John Waters and Lydia Lynch. The band brought wild, mischievous theatrics to the gothic scene of the genre. Jack Off Jill disbanded in 2000 and reunited in 2015 for their final concert. The album that best fits their style of music is their 2000 album Clear Hearts Grey Flowers.

In the early 1990s, the Riot Grrrl movement took the world by storm. This mainstream fad coincided with the then-rising male-dominated genre of Grunge. Riot Grrrl was a feminist punk rock movement that addressed the issues of gender inequality, sexual assault, and patriarchy, all while promoting female empowerment. Nearly 20 years later the Riot Grrrl movement has come to resurface as the conditions for females around the world change.