Bikini Kill formed in the late 80's, taking influence from bands such as the Sex Pistols, wanting to create punk music as they had always remembered it, incorporating political beliefs that were strong and assertive, yet not overshadowing the music they produced.
Some find it ironic that the guitarist, Billy Karen (a.k.a Billy Boredom) should be male, but his skills on the guitar far outweigh his sex, making it a non issue. Tobi Vail, the groups drummer, who briefly dated Kurt Cobain, also moonlights on vocals on several of the bands songs. The most prominent band member, mostly via necessity as the singer, is Kathleen Hanna. With a voice that can be sugary sweet ("Double Dare Ya") or caustically grinding ("Suck My Left One"), she is a woman who can bounce back and forth between the two with the best of them (Kat Bjelland to name one.) The lineup is completed by Kathi Wilcox on bass, who can also be heard on vocals, most notably on the bands most acclaimed album, "Reject All American" which was released in 1996.
Bikini Kill have, throughout their career, strived to remain an underground band, expressing their dislike for interviews after being burned one too many times by reporters desperate for a juicy story. The term "Riot Grrrl" was attributed to them too, one which Kathleen Hanna has never wanted to be associated with. They are a punk band, after all. Their first few records, "Bikini Kill" and "Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah" combined the powerful lyrics with catchy, harsh music. Standout songs like "Double Dare Ya", "White Boy" and the fantastic "Thurston Hearts The Who" tackled everything from rape, self confidence and identity to the kiss ass industry. Singles were released, containing some of Bikini Kills best recordings, and allowing them to collaborate with Joan Jett along the way. "Demirep", "I Like Fucking"/"I Like Danger" and the "Anti Pleasure Dissertation" were short, sharp punches to the gut, "Demirep" being my favourite Bikini Kill song. It starts with a childrens rhyme, before bursting into song..."And I am not some lame...sorotity queen..." Just a great song. By 1994, Bikini Kill were laying low, playing gigs and writing. Two years later, they released the phenomenal "Reject All American" album. Full of potent messages, catchy hooks and pounding rhythm, it was a refreshing blast for fans and critics alike. Never a band to care much about reviews, unless plain stupid ("Thurston Hearts The Who"), they found themselves being credited with one of the best albums of the year, even in the mainstream press. Tracks like "Statement Of Vindication", "Reject All American", "Tony Randall" and "Bloody Ice Cream" blew the competition out of the water, conveying messages, but with a subtlety that some of their contemporaries lacked. "R.I.P" is a moving testament to a deceased friend, and its hard not to feel along with the band as Kathleen screams: "I wouldnt be so fucking mad, so fucking pissed off if it wasnt so fucking wrong, its all fucking wrong, its not fair its not fair its not fair..." The album regularly makes Top 50 Albums Of All Time lists. What the band make of this is unknown, but it must bring a smile to their faces to think they did it all themselves, while remaining legendary underground punk revolutionists.
Nowadays, Bikini Kill are defunct. The members are all involved in other projects, from The Frumpies, Le Tigre or Julie Ruin, but theres no doubt that Bikini Kill will always be the best band that you've never heard of. You should dig them out.
Bio written by: rip_strike |
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