Legendary, and oft troubled, label Kill Rock Stars released Big Joanie’s second LP this past November. Punk energy and ethos mixes with 60’s era harmonies and spacey strings to create the trio’s strongest release yet. Poetic lyrics and soaring melodies keep the LP feeling fresh. The group risked a more electronic sound on this record in a move that not only paid off but spoke volumes of their creativity.

More pop than their previous releases, The Regrettes’ Further Joy, doesn’t lose its Riot Grrrl bite. The album is packed with emotional complexity around dense topics like body dysmorphia and sexuality. Shiny riffs and twinkling guitars may not sound like the Riot Grrrl trademarks of the past but The Regrettes aren’t scared of rewriting the genre in their image.

The title speaks for itself on the most straightforward Riot Grrrl album of the year. Although, straightforward doesn’t mean boring, look no further than scream along romp Girl Sports if you need evidence. Teen Jesus preach feminist enlightenment with snarling guitars, hard drums and snarky lyrics.

The Linda Lindas catapulted to fame earlier this year with their viral video for “Racist, Sexist Boy” which garnered praise from the likes of Thurston Moore, Hayley Williams and Kathleen Hanna. After opening for Bikini Kill on a string of tour dates this year, The Linda Lindas covered Riot Grrrl anthem "Rebel Girl". Growing Up was released in April of this year on Epitaph. Teenage angst mixes with power chords and raw anger on the critically acclaimed album.

Intelligent chaos-punk at its finest, Petrol Girls released their third EP this year. Laced with lyrics about immigration and sexual violence that burn alongside fuzzy riffs and massive drums. The scorching vocals would sound as natural on an original 70s punk dirge as they do here.