Concert Review: Le Tigre
In a triumphant crescendo to their highly anticipated reunion tour, Le Tigre set Brooklyn Steel ablaze with the second of three sold-out performances, the first in New York in nearly two decades. Le Tigre emerged in 1998 as a powerful musical force forged by the creative union of Kathleen Hanna, Johanna Fateman, and Sadie Benning with JD Samson joining after Benning’s departure from the group. Building on Hanna's riot grrrl legacy post-Bikini Kill, the band channeled their political activism into music that blended punk energy with electronic beats, producing anthems emphasizing their commentary on world affairs, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice. Their distinctive sound, infused with witty lyrics and spunky rhythms, challenged conventions, building a consistent and vibrant legacy. Their rebellion against the system has kept its charge, continuing to inspire the minds of the latest generation to question the system they find themselves in. Anyone could see their widespread influence just by taking a look around the venue. Every corner was teeming with an eager and diverse crowd, all united by a shared anticipation for the pioneering feminist punk trio's explosive return.
For each of the shows at Brooklyn Steel, the band has rotated the position of opening the show to a variety of queer artists. That night, the crowd met Shamir, 28 year old singer-songwriter and self-proclaimed demon. We have previously seen Shamir play at SHAG, the Spring Hills Arts Gathering Festival, back in June, but this was a significantly larger crowd. Shamir tends to approach his performances very laid back, but with a hard-hitting rock edge. Backed by Guitarist Grant Pavol and Drummer Rhea, Shamir rang out his impressive timid-falsetto voice. In my opinion, his music teaters on the grunge genre despite how bright the instrumental can be. Overall, he delivered a great opening performance to the show. His newest album, “Homo Anxietatem” is out next week on August 18th.
Going into this show blind, spectators will be surprised at the sheer amount of energy the band projects throughout the performance. From the moment Le Tigre steps onto the stage, a tidal wave of excitement engulfs the venue. Their choice to kickstart the evening with their opening track, "The the Empty," was nothing short of exhilarating. Their visuals throughout the show embraced a playful and nostalgic aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the vivid world of 8-bit designs reminiscent of 90s video games and television programs, their stage visuals served as an innovative extension of their music's essence, cohabitating with the quirky synths. They waste no time, running around with an unabashed enthusiasm that's infectious, setting the tone for a night of boundless vitality. This energy continued throughout the setlist into hits like TKO, Hot Topic and On the Verge.
Throughout their set, the band leaves very little time for the audience to settle down, but honestly why would you want to slow down? Hanna, Fateman, and Samson push the momentum to its maximum giving the crowd a dance party to remember. Then comes the musical intermission, "Get off the Internet," which transforms into a remarkable display of choreography from the band that's both a visual spectacle and a testament to their DIY nature. The synchronized movements in their matching black and white attire, executed with precision, highlighting that even in a colorless world their personalities shine so bright. Amidst the pulsating rhythms and creative visuals, Le Tigre cultivates a haven where inhibitions melt away, creativity flows freely, and love reigns supreme. The show becomes more than a mere gathering; it's a sanctuary where the music, the movement, and the collective energy converge to reaffirm the power of community and the strength of unity.
Before moving forward with their performance of the song "Guard," Kathleen paused to share a reflective moment with the crowd. She spoke about the enduring impact of their music as she herself grows older; pointing out that even though she had written many of these lyrics years ago, their significance and strength remain just as true, if not more so, in her present circumstances. It is by this timelessness that has led their anthems to forge a resounding connection with the new generation as their lyrics and messages echo the concerns of today's youth, forging an instant resonance. Le Tigre presents a seamless blend of unapologetic authenticity, empowerment, and inclusivity that aligns perfectly with this new generation of music-listeners that values genuine self-expression in a curated world. Their revival on platforms like TikTok showcases the band's ability to capture the imaginations of a new audience, who similarly feels discouraged and exhausted by the influx of hatred and destruction within the society around them. However, the band reminds us that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. There is still so much life we can celebrate, and Le Tigre plans to spearhead that party.
Le Tigre's return to the stage is a declaration that their spirit, passion, and political activism remain as relevant and potent as ever. They not only reignited the flames of their devoted fanbase but also signaled a vibrant new chapter for the band. As the crowd roared in affirmation, it was evident that this wasn't merely a nostalgic reunion; it was a reaffirmation of the power of their music and the urgency of their message. Their brisk energy, combined with the consistent fusion of classic hits and contemporary resonance, showcased a band that refuses to be confined by time or trends. With every beat and every lyric, Le Tigre reminded us that our voices remain an essential force in the ongoing struggle for equality and change. We know this won’t be the last we see of Le Tigre, and we can’t wait to see what they do next. This isn’t a goodbye, it's see you later.
Check out more photos from Le Tigre’s show at Brooklyn Steel in our gallery.
