the costumes were actually kind of d.i.y. versions of destiny’s child garb—three variations on the same outfit with varying sleeve lengths, and red sequined accessories that reminded me of swing choir cumberbunds. sadie even had a bowtie. kathleen managed to do a lot of talking about being artists and making art and culture and crap before even striking up the second song of the set. “it’s important to take culture into your own hands and not take what the media gives, etc.” normally I wouldn’t be paying enough attention to this sort of banter to remember it later, but fortunately I got to hear it all twice. johanna broke a string and they decided that rather than make up for lost time, they’d start all over again, including repeating their entrance, first song, and all their between-song schtick. tongue-in-cheek or just plain annoying, I’m not taking sides. I will say, though, that kathleen can really shake it, and I admire that. oh yeah, and she started a really huge, important political/musical movement.

of course I’m jealous. kathleen hannah is the coolest chick at the party. she’s the girl at your college that makes you want to become a feminist because you wanna be like her. besides the fact that she is doing exactly what every young woman I know would love to be doing right now: hanging out with cibo matto. anyway I heard she’s the bitch diva type, very “where’s my fruit tray.” I’m not telling from whom.

but the show was good, if short, the piped-in portion of the sound melded well with the live guitar and keyboard solo bleeping noises, and the slide presentation was quite helpful in getting the point across, especially during more academic pieces like “hot topic” and “f.y.r.” le tigre seems to be in exactly the right place at the right time, though I can’t help thinking I could have used a group like this years ago when I was a struggling “mr. lady” not really feeling the whole permanent-marker-on-the-belly vibe.

I mean, punk rock is forever, but this is sweet rock candy that melts in your mouth.