Antigone Rising is not a feminist band, per se. They might give that impression, seeing as how they took their name from one of the first feminists – the tragic Greek character who lost her life because she refused to compromise her principles. But moreover, they’re a band made up of five talented musicians who revel in catchy pop hooks and strong, personal lyrics. They don’t deserve to be type-casted. Consisting of vocalist Cassidy, guitarist sisters Cathy and Kristen Henderson, drummer Dena Tauriello, and bassist Anne-Marie Stein, the New York-based band has garnished a following along the eastern seaboard which led to the band playing with such big name acts as Joan Jett and touring with Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair festival. The band has a fresh sound that evokes thoughts of Ani DiFranco, Sheryl Crow and 10,000 Maniacs having a fist-fight with Marc Bolan and the New York Dolls. The guitar riffs power the songs underneath Cassidy’s sugar-sweet perfect pop vocals, and one finds it hard to not find the songs stuck in one’s head for a few days following. The band has released two albums and an EP, 2000’s six-song “New and Used,” 2001’s fan-funded “Rock Album,” and their most recent release, a 16-track live album recorded at The Bitter End in New York City. They plan to release a new studio album with Grammy-award winning producer Michael Barbiero in 2003. All of the band’s merchandise is distributed through their website and at live shows. Their lyrics, voices and music are confident. Judging from the reviews of their ultra-loyal, almost cultish fan following, their live show (often known to include a cover of Queen’s “Fat-Bottomed Girls”) should be spectacular. Antigone Rising will bring their all-girl rock show to Western Carolina when they perform at Illusions on March 4 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $2 with WCU student ID, $4 for general admission; BYOB. More information about the band is available through their website: http://www.antigonerising.com/. Samples of their music are available through http://www.mp3.com/.