Though she might be more recently known as an author, Alice Bag has been heavily involved with music since the last ’70s when she fronted the Bags, one of the more significant bands from the first wave of the LA punk scene. Now on her second solo album, this time around Bag brings Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill), Allison Wolfe (Bratmobile), Teri Gender Bender (Le Butcherettes) and others to the affair, adding much flavor, and at some points intensity, to her timeless, politically aware songs.
Not just a punk album, there are horns, pianos, blues, and soulfulness present, and, maybe most notably, a keen sense of pop that, despite the often serious subject matter, makes this a very fun listen. Bag proves that her strong voice isn’t just proficient at anthemic rock, as she adapts well with ska and R&B influences, and even piano balladry near the end. Just about 60 years old now, Bag shows no signs of trimming back any of the fury, and is also spreading her wings into very admirable territory.
