Initially pegged as "riot girls," something to which Bikini Kill always objected, the band took nearly four years to record its second full-length album, REJECT ALL AMERICAN, by which time the "movement" had died down somewhat, thus freeing it from the stifling label. Furthering a trend evident since its earliest material, the album again marks a step up in improved production, as well as continuing the band's move from barely structured primal scream assaults into pop-oriented, though still aggressive, songs--and hey, at 27 minutes, it's Bikini Kill's longest record yet!
The pop move is most obvious on "False Start," which, given sweeter lyrics, could have given the Bangles a run for their money. It repeats the gambit on "R.I.P.," a lyrically wrenching cry for a dead friend. Other standouts include "Capri Pants," a barreling freight train of a song, "Jet Ski," which features Kathleen Hanna belting out a chorus of "I ain't got no candy for you," and the title track, which is built on a controlled rhythm and guitar base and makes a great sing-along anthem. If you like your punk rock tuneful, REJECT ALL AMERICAN will make a fine addition to your collection.