Issue date: 10/27/04 Section: Arts

When the typical image of a feminist comes to mind, most people don't picture choreographed dancing to punked-up disco beats but then again Le Tigre has been anything but typical over the years.

This Island marks Le Tigre's third full-length project and major label debut (Strummer Recordings/Universal) and they have returned yet again with an album that is impossible to listen to and sit still at the same time.

Le Tigre is comprised of Kathleen Hanna, J.D. Samson and Johanna Fateman.

Hanna has long been involved in the underground punk scene, perhaps most notably for her days as the lead singer of Olympia, WA group Bikini Kill.

As a front woman for the riot grrrl (feminist punk rock) movement, Hanna continued her music even after Bikini Kill disbanded in 1998.

Using a drum machine and lo-fi electronics, Hanna went on to do a solo project under the alias Julie Ruin.

The venture into break beats and synth riffs was furthered when Hanna began to collaborate with Fateman (a zine creator) and Samson (who was originally a crew member on the tour).

Thus, the current Le Tigre line up was created. This Island is 13 tracks of danceable, dare I say pop music that makes you want to jump up and cheer for the girls (or boys). The album deals with everything from the anti-Bush rant "Seconds" to the pro-queer anthem "Viz."

The album was co-produced by Nick Sansano (Sonic Youth, Public Enemy) and Ric Ocasek from The Cars; giving it a more polished feeling than Le Tigre's previous work.

Although This Island is less overtly political than 2001's Feminist Sweepstakes, Le Tigre still manages to make a statement in all of their songs.

Whether it's encouraging listeners to voice their political concerns or encouraging listeners to just get on the floor and shake some ass, Le Tigre can certainly get the crowd motivated.

One of the standout tracks on This Island is their version of "I'm So Excited."

Continued...

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