by Ed Rivadavia
On 1991's Smell the Magic, L7 begins to find the sense of melody to complement its distorted punk guitar assault. The band deserves ultimate praise for writing from a completely female perspective at all times, and the fabulous &Fast and Frightening& just might be the ultimate &riot grrrl& anthem. &Shove& pleads the case for mosh pit etiquette, while &Just Like Me& demands equal rights (and vices) for male and female rock stars. The self-mocking &Broomstick& celebrates any &rock & roll hags& accusations with a sense of humor. &'Till the Wheels Fall Off& is another standout, thanks to its relentless descending riff, and points the way toward the band's breakthrough album, Bricks Are Heavy.