Daiana Feuer on June 8th, 2016

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In the latest single from her upcoming self-titled solo debut album, punk-feminist Alice Bag takes a stand against domestic violence. Evoking the innocence of 1960s girl-group song structure to support her message, the singer-author — who helmed the first-wave punk band the Bags in the 1970s — doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. The irony of the juxtaposition is clear, even in the gentlest of the song’s lyrics, “How many times do you touch a hot stove to see if a flame will burn? / How many times must he beat you senseless, oh baby when will you learn?” If this were a full-on punk song, abrasive, loud and messy, it could be pushed aside as just another angry rant, so she’s making it clear, pretty, and melodic, as if to say, now do I have your attention? It’s an enraging topic, sad and difficult to comprehend how a human will raise a fist against another human, especially someone they love. “He’s So Sorry” feels like a warm, maternal hug from Alice Bag. Domestic violence is one of many harsh realities she tackles on the new album, always with a gentle touch and sense of humor, remaining bold but never losing her cool, despite the rage these injustices merit. “Alice Bag” comes out June 24 on Don Giovanni Records.

||| Watch: “He’s So Sorry”

||| Live: Alice Bag performs July 2 at Echo.