Reject All American, Bikini Kill's new 12-track/27-minute song burst (and their first album since Pussy Whipped three years ago), reveals a refined punk band with increased clarity, competence, and expanded range. While the band's heart still lies in the sneering brat-punk of the Sex Pistols and X-Ray Spex -- heard here on thrilling two-minute slices of attitude like "Capri Pants" and "Statement of Vindication" -- they also have a go at airy alt-rock (bassist Kathi Wilcox's jangly "False Start"), classic new-wave pop (the title track's Go-Go's chorus), and even drop a trumpet and xylophone into the mix. Still, it's Hanna's words and vocals -- the things that made BK significant in the first place -- that have matured most and remain the band's primary strength. The grrrl has grown.

-- Roni Sarig