Bratmobile were a huge influence on me growing up in the ’90s and 2000s. In a sea of boy bands and pop stars plastered everywhere, Riot Grrrl bands were a safe place to feel both angry and empowered. (Later, when I started a band called Bratboy, that name was no coincidence.)

The local openers on Bratmobile’s latest stop in Vancouver—PISS and Necking—also mean a lot to me. I’ve worked with them both in different ways, and I arrived at the venue eager to chat about what this show meant to them.

Necking

“We haven’t played a show in two years!” says lead singer Hannah Karren as we cram into the ladies’ bathroom for some quiet. “It’s not our fault!” she laughs, explaining she had moved away and life just… happened.

Before their hiatus, Necking had been featured as themselves on Yellowjackets and landed songs on Avan Jogia’s film Door Mouse. I swore I remembered them covering Bratmobile’s “Bitch Anthem,” but Hannah corrects me: “That never happened. I probably just yelled ‘you’re such a bitch!’ at you during a show.” We all laugh, and suddenly two years feel like no time at all.

When asked about Bratmobile’s influence, the entire band answers in unison: “Cool Schmool.” Listening back to Necking’s own catalogue, the connection is obvious. As for new material? They won’t confirm or deny, but Hannah teases with a smirk: “I think we can all agree on a single coming out eventually.”

PISS

Meanwhile, Necking’s soundcheck rumbles through the venue as I corral the members of PISS. “We’re about to embark on our first ever tour!” beams vocalist Taylor Zantingh. The band will soon hit the U.S. and Europe/UK—a huge milestone considering how tough it is for Canadian bands to get out of the country thanks to visas, costs, and bureaucracy.

“We’re focusing on how to support each other and stay safe on tour,” Taylor adds. That care is evident every time they perform: their songs deal with heavy subject matter like sexual violence, and their bond onstage feels like a shield. I’ve shed tears behind my camera more than once during their sets.

When I ask about Bratmobile, Taylor’s eyes light up—once again, “Cool Schmool” comes up as the defining track. Clearly, Riot Grrrl’s influence still runs strong. And in case you’re wondering what PISS is fangirling over: Taylor’s into poetry, while the guys are into Dijon’s new album and late-night gaming (Clair Obscur and Majora’s Mask).

The Show

As doors opened, Necking hit the stage with a rowdy, high-energy set that had the crowd bouncing to “Big Mouth” and “Rover.” Even after two years away, they remain scene favourites.

PISS followed with one of the best sets I’ve ever seen them play. Taylor’s blood-curdling screams ricocheted around the room, the audience locked in step with every moment. Watching both bands, I realized that the Riot Grrrl movement is very much alive and well in Vancouver.

Then the anticipation boiled over. When Bratmobile’s Allison Wolfe walked out in a sequined blue dress, matching gloves, and her signature glasses, the crowd screamed—and didn’t stop. The room pulsed like a heartbeat to Molly Neuman’s kick drum as Allison once again commanded, “elbows up!”

They tore through classics like “Gimme Brains,” “Brat Girl,” “Bitch Anthem,” and of course, “Cool Schmool.” At one point they asked, “What’s hot in Vancouver?” The crowd erupted: “FUCK KEN SIM!”

An audience member grabbed the mic to explain our mayor “fucking sucks,” while another shouted, “Sean Orr for president!” Bratmobile smiled proudly—government sucks everywhere, after all.

Behind them, visuals flashed: No LGB without the QT’s. Melt ICE. Ceasefire. What side are you on? Proof that Bratmobile are still finishing what they started.

Brat summer may have come and gone, but Bratmobile is always in season.

Bratmobile

PISS

Necking