The Julie Ruin - Hit Reset
Hit Reset is The Julie Ruin's second album, though is just one in a line of many projects from riot grrrl queen, Kathleen Hanna. It was going to be a winner for me from the beginning, and as the opening song Hit Reset drives its way in I am wriggling my tights up and ready to neglect my Sunday chores while bopping around to Sweet Kathleen's relentless vocals and total musical mastery (eff you patriarchy!). With a tongue in cheek feel the album jumps from surf to dance/art-punk to some sweet straightforward pop punk masterpieces – never failing to remind us the importance of having fun. We get some fimiliar Le Tigre style call and response and some Bikini Kill style tart sing song rants - though I'm still in mourning for the days of rowdy guttural Suck My Left One screaming.
Through juxtaposition of meaningful topics (the first and last song are addressed to her parents), playful lyrics (take the party/take the cake) and an off-kilter sound Kathleen turns emotional catharsis into a game. She writes songs which you always wanted to write and her musical bravery pays off every time. The girl, as ever, done good.
9/10
