"Fontanelle" is the second studio album by American alternative rock band Babes in Toyland. Released in 1992, it is considered the bands' most popular and commercially successful album, having been certified gold by the RIAA.
The album's title was thought to be inspired by the soft spot on a baby's skull, termed the 'fontanel'. Much of the writing and recording process was influenced by the band's tumultuous relationships and experiences touring for their debut studio album, "Spanking Machine." The tension and raw energy created through this process are evident in the fierce, aggressive sound of Fontanelle, which helped set the band apart in the burgeoning grunge scene of the early '90s.
The album includes some of the band's well-known tracks like "Bruise Violet," and "Handsome and Gretel." It was produced by Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, and its sound was characterized by heavy, distorted guitars, and frontwoman Kat Bjelland's screeching vocals.
Babes in Toyland, often associated with the riot grrrl movement, were known for their feminist ethos, and "Fontanelle" has been praised for its raw expression of female rage and empowerment. Today, it is considered a classic of its genre, both for its musical style and for the influence it had on later bands and movements.
