Alt-Riot is a blog featuring slternative and independent music from before the dot com boom.
Scarface - Cadallaca
Out West (Kill Rock Stars 1999)
Cadallaca is an indie rock band formed out of the riot grrrl movement in Portland, OR. The group consisted of Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney) Sarah Dougher, and sts (The Lookers). The band is described as being a classic girl group with feminist rhetoric.
Sounds like: Sleater-Kinney, The Spells, Bratmobile.
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.
Can’t Explain - The Spells
The Age of Backwards (K Records 1999)
Sounds like: Sleater-Kinney, Helium, Le Tigre
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
