Top 5 Riot Grrrl Releases of 2022
While the message has evolved in the last three decades to parse a more inclusive take on the original Riot Grrrl values, the medium has remained the same- electric guitar, a DIY mindset and staunchly feminist lyrics. Despite Sleater-Kinney’s and Le Tigre’s best efforts Riot Grrrl was delegated to the morgue of long dead genres by the 2010s along with Nu-Metal and Ska. Bikini Kill founder and Riot Grrrl legend Kathleen Hanna’s 2013 documentary "The Punk Singer" rekindled interest in the genre, along with artists like The Coathangers and Slutever. Today in 2022 the genre and surrounding subculture are alive and well. Here are the best examples of Riot Grrrl this year:
1
Big Joanie- Back Home
Kill Rock Stars, 2022
Legendary, and oft troubled, label Kill Rock Stars released Big Joanie’s second LP this past November. Punk energy and ethos mixes with 60’s era harmonies and spacey strings to create the trio’s strongest release yet. Poetic lyrics and soaring melodies keep the LP feeling fresh. The group risked a more electronic sound on this record in a move that not only paid off but spoke volumes of their creativity.
2
The Regrettes- Further Joy
Warner Records, 2022
More pop than their previous releases, The Regrettes’ Further Joy, doesn’t lose its Riot Grrrl bite. The album is packed with emotional complexity around dense topics like body dysmorphia and sexuality. Shiny riffs and twinkling guitars may not sound like the Riot Grrrl trademarks of the past but The Regrettes aren’t scared of rewriting the genre in their image.
3
Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers- Pretty Good for a Girl Band
Domestic La La, 2022
The title speaks for itself on the most straightforward Riot Grrrl album of the year. Although, straightforward doesn’t mean boring, look no further than scream along romp Girl Sports if you need evidence. Teen Jesus preach feminist enlightenment with snarling guitars, hard drums and snarky lyrics.
4
The Linda Lindas- Growing Up
Epitaph, 2022
The Linda Lindas catapulted to fame earlier this year with their viral video for “Racist, Sexist Boy” which garnered praise from the likes of Thurston Moore, Hayley Williams and Kathleen Hanna. After opening for Bikini Kill on a string of tour dates this year, The Linda Lindas covered Riot Grrrl anthem "Rebel Girl". Growing Up was released in April of this year on Epitaph. Teenage angst mixes with power chords and raw anger on the critically acclaimed album.
5
Petrol Girls- Baby
Hassle, 2022
Intelligent chaos-punk at its finest, Petrol Girls released their third EP this year. Laced with lyrics about immigration and sexual violence that burn alongside fuzzy riffs and massive drums. The scorching vocals would sound as natural on an original 70s punk dirge as they do here.
- Delaney
Along with these vibrant new releases, Sleater-Kinney reminded us why we should respect our elders with "Dig Me In: A Dig Me Out Covers Album"- featuring acts like The Linda Lindas and Big Joanie alongside them. 2022 didn’t disappoint with singles from Dream Wife, Girl Friday and Margaritas Podridas. Lauded grunge/Riot Grrrl act Skating Polly are also back in the studio working on their next album. This year featured a mix of past, present and future Riot Grrrl royalty with 2023 looking just as promising.
