Amy Andronicus, lighter than air. Pics by Willie Davis, more below.

Consider Amy Andronicus, née Klein, she of magnificent New Jersey punk-rockers Titus Andronicus, and an awfully cheering sight up there onstage, surrounded by all those severe bearded men screaming shit like "THE ENEMY IS EVERYWHERE!" and "YOUR LIFE IS OVER!" and "YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A LOSER!" and whatnot. She's screaming that stuff too, usually, but she just seems happier about it, bouncing around with a huge smile on her face even during the slow parts, switching from guitar to disarmingly poignant violin as events warrant, generally lighting up a room TA mastermind Patrick Stickles (a pretty cheerful presence himself, but that beard is just so severe) seems intent on shrouding in self-loathing darkness. It's all very sweet, or at least that's what you think until the band launches into a cover of X-Ray Spex' "Oh Bondage! Up Yours!" with Amy on lead vocals, and suddenly you are fearing for your life.

Murray Hill introduces the night's star attraction.

The Kathleen Hannah Project
The Knitting Factory
Saturday, December 12

Better than: Any actual battle of the bands that I've ever attended.

We are gathered here tonight at the Knitting Factory to praise Kathleen Hanna, not bury her. Though it's understandable if you get confused -- it's been a minute and half since we've heard from her. As a musician and feminist icon, Hanna's achievements, from the riot grrrl majesty of Bikini Kill to the body-moving dance beats of Le Tigre, are undeniable, but she's fallen largely silent for the past few years, apparently teaching at New York University and, most recently, earning a co-writing credit on Christina Aguilera's flop Bionic. Between her absence and the extended hiatus of Sleater-Kinney, it's been a tough couple years for lovers of feminist-charged anthems. Tonight, though, they'll all come roaring back.

Just got a call from someone repping the Varvatos brand, looking for a phone number for Care Bears on Fire. Varvatos himself wants them to play the Bowery/CBGB store opening party next Thursday, April 17 and, in the caller's words, represent a "way into the future." I think that one speaks for itself.

photos by Rebecca Smeyne. More from the show here.

Care Bears on Fire
Union Hall
Saturday, January 5
all photos by Rebecca Smeyne
More photos here.