When the Bikini Kill reunion tour didn't escape the grasp of Covid, Erica Dawn Lyle teamed up with Vice Cooler to create this. Lyle plays guitar, Cooler plays everything else and each song has its own vocalist. Kathleen Hanna, Kim Gordon, Kelley Deal ... and that's not even all the Ks.

Erica Dawn Lyle & Vice Cooler Land Trust: Benefit for North East Farmers of Color (self-released)

Sixteen songs of pure musical id, some more socially-conscious than others. These songs will slam you into the wall so hard you'll need a spatula to get free. I haven't heard Lyle playing so free and easy in a long time. These blisters of joy shred, throttle and just plain pummel.

Is it cohesive? Well, Cooler's production does keep the sonic palette manageable. But the wild array of vocalists (who also collaborated on the lyrics) ensures a raggedy ride. Which fits the music fine, of course.

This sort of deconstructed punk was approaching its expiration date almost two decades ago. Lyle's rough-hewn approach to her licks infuses some life, and Cooler makes sure the rest is just as crunchy. Totally infectious. I haven't heard a benefit album this enthralling in a long damn time.

Jon Worley