With 2004's THIS ISLAND, original "riot grrl" Kathleen Hanna and friends unleash another blast of political electro-pop, this time on a major label. The vibe here is smoother than previous Le Tigre outings; a welcome heaping of sugar in the sociologically acidic coffee. On-key and demure, the gang's philosophical agenda takes a backseat to feel-good craziness backed up by funk beats groovy enough--and synth lines catchy enough--to power a dozen slumber/dance parties.

The group's allegiance to the sounds of the early 1980s is officially unveiled with a cover of the Pointer Sisters' "I'm So Excited" and the presence of the Cars' Ric Ocasek, who produces one track ("Tell You Now"). Meanwhile, "TKO" and "On the Verge" unite Pat Benatar/Joan Jett rock-chick oomph with B-52's-style New Wave in unholy matrimony. Galvanizing shout-outs like "Nanny Nanny Boo Boo" and "Don't Drink Poison" are still here to wake the jaded to arms in proper old-school "grrl" style, but, overall, this is a welcome step off the indie mainland. On THIS ISLAND, the message is clear--there's no point in savagely attacking the patriarchy unless you can dance around in your underwear at the same time.