WHO ARE THEY? The reunited riot-grrrl duo of singer-guitarists Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker.
WHAT IS THIS? Their 10th studio disc, their first release since longtime drummer Janet Weiss left the band, and their first self-produced effort.
WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE? As optimistic and grounded as its title. Though perhaps a little mellower than expected. Given both the personal upheaval within the band and the state of the world these days, you might have expected then to come out swinging with a topical, cathartic album. And this disc does have its harder-hitting, edgier moments. But many of these 11 songs stick to the poppier and more upbeat side of the street, with lyrics devoted mostly to relationships.
WHAT ARE THE MOST REVEALING LYRICS? “If I’m gonna worry, I’m gonna worry with you.”
WHAT SHOULD IT BE TITLED? Two Heads Are Better.
HOW SHOULD I LISTEN TO IT? While drinking craft beer and eating artisanal food in Portland.
WHAT 10 WORDS SUM IT UP? Mature, poised, centred, potent, personal, wiry, thoughtful, artsy, confident, deliberate.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SONGS? The bouncy title cut, the scritchy single Worry With You, the Breakdown-style shuffle Method, the noisy shape-shifter Tomorrow’s Grave.
WHAT WILL MY FRIENDS SAY? “Would it have killed them to really rock out just once more?”
HOW OFTEN WILL I LISTEN TO IT? Even at a slightly lower volume and velocity, Sleater-Kinney still pack their tunes with enough depth and detail to bring you back for more.
IF THIS ALBUM WERE FABRICS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Flannel and dehim.
SHOULD I BUY, STREAM OR STEAL IT? If you’re a fan, it’s worth the bucks. If you’re on the fence, try before you buy.
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “In the midst of 2020’s endless turbulence, Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker wrote and recorded the album in Portland. They welcomed local musicians in the studio to bring their vision to life. For the first time, the band also took the reins and self-produced the eleven-track offering. With their new release, the band deliver a provocative, powerful, and poetic statement when alternative music and culture could use it the most.”
