Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’ AHHHH!!: Riot Grrrls Unite!

The Riot Grrrls were grunge / punk bands comprised solely of women in the 90s like: Bikini Kill, L7, Sleater Kinney, Huggy Bear, Bratmobile and many others. These were brave women bringing feminist / gender themes to a largely male dominated genre. “Girls to the front!” was the mantra and I fell in love with L7 and Bikini Kill in the 90s. This feminist punk aesthetic has gotten back in the larger music consciousness lately with The Linda Lindas, Big Joanie, The Coathangers and now Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers out of Australia.

The track AHHHH!! has all the hallmarks of early 90s Riot Grrrl music with a slick modern skate punk sheen to it. The percussion and guitars threaten to rip your headphones apart as they relentlessly assault you during the chorus. In this sense, the band really follows a Pixies / Nirvana / Bikini Kill quiet, loud song structure. This structure is a staple of 90s alt punk / Riot Grrrl music; however, Teen Jesus freshens it up with tight arrangements and a glittery shine to the guitars. The track has an amazing energy that really jumps and takes you for the ride.

Teen Jesus’ vocals are fantastic with a bit of Aussie skate punk twang and an epic chorus that makes you want to scream the house down. Themes about relationships, doubt and equality / agency run throughout the track, but the key to the songs success is that kick ass bridge. The song breaks down with some classic Kurt Cobain shredding guitar with the whole band belting it out. Simply punk magic.

This is a clear top 10 of 2022 song for me and possibly top 5. The band itself have not put out a ton yet, but this EP – Pretty Good for a Girl Band is a must buy. I am excited to see where they go with such and infectious sound and tight arrangements. AHHHH!! is a great song with tons of energy that harkens back to those early feminist punk Riot Grrrl days of the 90s. It’s great to see that the Riot Grrrl spirit still shines bright. Be sure to check this band out, go to their website and give them your money.

Listen to AHHHH!!