L7 “Burn Baby”

L7 “Burn Baby” b/w “Fighting the Crave” 2019 Record Store Day release on golden yellow vinyl. “Burn Baby” is the lead single from L7′s forthcoming album Scatter the Rats due out in May, their first LP in 20 years (which means that’s about how long it’s been since I last saw them perform, in September ‘99 while on tour for Slap Happy at The Globe here in Milwaukee – I’m pretty sure I interviewed at least one member of the band for my write-up for Shepherd Express but at the moment I can’t remember who). Scatter the Rats will – fittingly – be released on Joan Jett’s label Blackheart Records. “Burn Baby” is a grungy rocker from the one of the best Riot Grrrl bands of the 90′s, hard driving, catchy and with a chorus that snarls “Burn at the stake” shows L7 haven’t much mellowed in the past 20 years. The B-side’s “Fighting the Crave” will not appear on Scatter the Rats but this is no throwaway track. It’s more on the metal edge of grunge than “Burn Baby” but also has a great funky stomp and an absolute killer hook. I think I like it better than the A-side.