Toronto’s newest music venue, History, was not prepared for the juicy setlist that post-riot grrrl icons Le Tigre dished out this past weekend. After nearly 20 years on hiatus, the band broadcasted an unapologetic performance rich with sensory stimulation.

The crowd was brewing with anticipation as the trio busted out onto the stage in a whir of brightly colored clothing and enamored fans with their fusion of political lyrics, karaoke style visual display and genre-bending instrumentation. Kathleen Hanna’s voice roared into the crowd, carrying with it a sense of urgency.

The setlist was carefully curated with the lead singer’s moving commentary in between sets. To paraphrase Kathleen Hanna: “I received physical hate mail back in the uprising of my career and all I could think was “A” for effort. I said thank you for the inspiration for the song lyrics. They then launched into the hypnotic track “Get Off the Internet”.

Partway through the night, the lights went dim abruptly, creating a restless energy only to be transformed into a room full of cheering and joy as the band ran out in matching black and white ensembles to perform a choreographed dance that led into battle anthem “On The Verge.”

As the night came to a close, the atmosphere pivoted as Hanna talked of her experiences with SA and brought a crucial reminder to the crowd of the sheer number of people with similar experiences among us. As tears rolled down the faces of those carrying the weight of this, the optimistic tune “Keep On Livin’” started, tossing them the courage to move forward and continue the movement the band has spent years constructing.

As fans from all stages of the feminist legends’ careers shuffled out of the venue, humming the melodic song lyrics, it was clear that the electric performance had fueled the ongoing fight for equality and respect of marginalized communities. Le Tigre crafted an unforgettable night filled with anthems that I am confident will stick with many as they navigate a world that is still prevalently dominated by patriarchy and riot against it.

It was a night to remember and we overwhelmingly recommend you get to a show as soon as you can if they hit a city near you. Don’t miss out!

Review & Photos by: Rachel Imre

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