Alt-Riot is a blog featuring slternative and independent music from before the dot com boom.
This Is Not Your Wedding Song - Excuse 17
Such Friends Are Dangerous (Kill Rock Stars 1995)
Excuse 17 was a queercore riot grrrl band formed in Olympia, WA in in 1993 by Becca Albee, CJ Phillips, and Carrie Brownstein who went on to from Sleater-Kinney.
Sounds like: Sleater-Kinney, The Spells, Bratmobile.
P.R.D.C.T. - Bratmobile
Pottymouth (Kill Rock Stars 1993)
Bratmobile was one of the driving forces of the riot grrl feminist punk movement in the 90’s. Like Bikini Kill, the band was inspired by a collaborative zine called “Girl Germs” created by founding members Allison Wolfe and Molly Neuman. Pottymouth was their only full-length release.
Sounds like: Bikini Kill, Partyline, Excuse 17.
Slideshow At Free University - Le Tigre
Le Tigre (Mr. Lady 1999)
Le Tigre is an electrocrash dance-punk band formed by Kathleen Hanna (of Bikini Kill) and Johanna Fateman in 1998. Although not considered a part of the movement, the band’s songs featured sociopolitical themes reminiscent of riot grrrl bands. Their self-titled album was their debut release.
Sounds like: Julie Ruin, Bikini Kill, Bratmobile.
Feels Blind - Bikini Kill
Revolution Girl Style Now (self released 1991)
Bikini Kill was a pivotal member of the riot grrrl movement of the 90’s. Considered the pioneer band of the genre, the band emerged out of a zine by the same name created by band members Kathleen Hanna, Kathi Wilcox and Tobi Vail. With the addition of guitarist Billy Karren (of the Go Team). A politcally driven band, their music was intended to be a feminist response to the misogyny rampant in the punk scene. Revolution Girl Style Now was their first release, an independently recorded, produced, and distributed cassette tape—an example of the DIY style propagated by riot grrrls.
Sounds like: Bratmobile, Sleater-Kinney, Mecca Normal.
Turn It On - Sleater-Kinney
Dig Me Out (Kill Rock Stars 1997)
Sleater-Kinney was one of the most influential punk rock bands of the past two decades. They formed in the riot grrrl scene in Olympia, WA in 1994 by Corin Tucker (Heavens to Betsy) and Carrie Brownstein (Excuse 17). Janet Weiss (Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks) later joined the line-up. While their music has strong anti-establishment themes reminiscent of original punk music, the band gained much popularity for utilizing the freethinking ideals of 90’s alternative rock. Much to the chagrin of indie music lovers, the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2006.
Sounds like: The Spells, Helium, Mecca Normal.
Refused Are Fucking Dead - Refused
The Shape of Punk to Come (Burning Heart Records 1998)
Refused are a hardcore punk band formed in Sweden in 1991. After their break-up in 1998, lead singer Dennis Lyxzen went on to form The (International) Noise Conspiracy. The Shape of Punk to Come, their final album, was a reference to deviant jazz and beat culture of the mid-20th century, the title being a reference to Ornette Coleman’s album The Shape of Jazz to Come. Their songs are known for having strong anti-capitalist themes.
Sounds like: The (International) Noise Conspiracy, Fugazi, Black Flag.
The Ballad of Railroad Jerk - Railroad Jerk
One Track Mind (Matador 1995)
Railroad Jerk is a bluespunk band based out of New York. They formed in 1989 and gained a prominent following in the Manhattan club scene before being signed to Matador in 1990. Although they never received much recognition outside of college radio stations, the band was an influential force in indie rock of their time.
Sounds like: Silkworm, Chavez, Helium.
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I Wanna Know What Love Is - Julie Ruin
Julie Ruin (self released 1997)
Sounds like: Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, Belleruche
20 Years - Mecca Normal
Calico Kills the Cat/Water Cuts My Hands (K Records 1991-92)
Sounds like: Lydia Lunch, Excuse 17, Sonic Youth
