Punk rock is a genre that was made for pushing boundaries and challenging norms. A lot of punk bands are male-dominated: we’ve all heard of The Misfits, The Stooges, The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and many more. But there are many all-female punk bands out there and it’s time to give them the credit they deserve!
From the rebellious spirit of Bikini Kill to the grunge-infused sounds of L7, here are our 8 favorite all-female punk bands.
Bikini Kill
No list of influential female punk bands can skip Bikini Kill. These fierce babes emerged straight from the riot grrrl revolution of the early ’90s, fronted by the unapologetically bold Kathleen Hanna.
Bikini Kill tossed societal norms out the window with their feminist anthems and performances that could blow the roof off. Tunes like “Rebel Girl” and “I Like Fucking” are still celebrated for their empowering messages.
L7
In a world of polished pop, the California girls from L7 are a grungy breath of fresh air. Led by the fiery Donita Sparks, gained recognition for their energetic performances and socially charged lyrics. Songs like “Pretend We’re Dead” and “Shitlist” are unmissable for anyone who ever felt like screaming, “Screw it, I’m doing things my way.”
But it’s not just about the music: it’s about the attitude. L7 didn’t give a damn about your expectations and even though they’re so very underrated, they still hold a special place in our hearts.
Hole
Hole is a tornado of distorted guitars and unfiltered lyrics, led by the one and only Courtney Love, Queen of Grunge glam and High Priestess of ’90s alternative rock. The breakthrough album of this all-female punk band, “Live Through This,”, released in 1994 really made an impression on our teenage selves, and songs like Violet” were anthems for misfits and anyone who dared to defy the norm.
Love them or hate them, you can’t ignore Hole.
The Runaways
Almost 50 years ago, The Runaways stood up for every girl in the world and threw a bomb into the musical industry. A big fat red cherry bomb. Reuniting mythical creatures such as Lita Ford, Cherrie Currie, and our very own personal goddess, Joan Jett, this punk rock band changed the very course of history.
Provocative, sexual, and unapologetic, The Runaways spat straight in the patriarchy’s face and proved women could be so much more than what society wanted them to be.
With iconic anthems such as Cherry Bomb, You Drive Me Wild, or Dead End Justice, their debut album is a display of raw power. It’s nothing but loud riffs, angry lyrics, and teenage authenticity. The result might seem messy but who cares? There’s so much more than music at stake, here!
Dream Wife
Dream Wife is the musical love child of punk, pop, feminism, and sass. Rakel Mjöll, Alice Go, and Bella Podpadec are a trio of badasses who decided to shake up the music scene with their unapologetic sound and in-your-face lyrics.
On stage, Dream Wife is simply impossible to ignore: this band is a powerhouse and they will leave you sweaty and craving for more. Who would believe that originally, this band was a fake group created for a student project?
Pussy Riot
Pussy Riot is a Russian feminist punk rock group that makes activism look like a rebellious art form. These fierce femmes aren’t just a band; they’re a political manifesto with a beat, catching the world’s attention with performances that are as bold as their beliefs.
Decked out in their signature brightly colored balaclavas, Pussy Riot turned these face masks into a symbol of unapologetic resistance. These masked crusaders aren’t afraid to tackle the big issues, from LGBTQ+ rights to feminism, all the way to giving the Russian government a piece of their mind.
Lambrini Girls
Straight from Brighton, Lambrini Girls are probably one of the most badass punk rock bands out there. They’re the unapologetic voices of a new LGBTQIA+ generation that refuses to be silenced. Lambrini Girls are a middle finger to the status quo, a rebellious dance in the face of patriarchy.
On stage, these chicks are capable of anything and you’ll find yourself jumping in the pit and screaming “Help Me, I’m Gay” in no time.
Bratakus
Last but not least on our list of the best all-female punk bands, let us present you Onagh and Breagha from Bratakus. They’re Scottish. They’re punk. They have a message and they sure have the guts and voice to scream it out loud! Bratakus is a self-produced band, they do everything by themselves, and, on stage, you’ll be surprised by the sheer power that exudes from these two fab women. Lately, they were the opening act for The Hives and they blew our minds. Go girls!
Now tell us : what are YOUR favorite all-female punk bands?
