It’s hard to define the thoughts that go through your head when you go to see a band that you know is influential throughout an entire scene. Though a far fling from a pop group, Sleater-Kinney is one of those bands that you know has laid its fingerprints across an entire generation of music. The sense of wonder and yet fear that you have overhyped the experience in your head is almost dizzying. Luckily you don’t have to wait too long to realize that there is a reason this group has grown to the mantel it has today. The rock is consistent, the energy is high, and the overall experience is one that you can leave knowing it matters to the whole of music.
From the opening song, Hell, the group decided to start with a deep, dark, intense edge. It’s nice to hear that as the group has expanded, the sonic qualities have likewise expanded without losing the edge that Sleater-Kinney has always been known for. Sometimes breaking away from the trio mix can add a sense of overproduction, but the dark synth sounds added by backing members Toko Yasuda and Teeny Lieberson enhance the already gritty vibe, rather than detract from it. By their third song, Bury Our Friends, the strength of all members was put on display. Endlessly catchy guitar riffs from Carrie Brownstein, unabashed vocals from Corin Tucker, and drums that hit such a distinct groove from Angie Boylan. They are a cocktail of angst, ingenuity, and passion, and their musicality is simply an extension of themselves.
This is the staying power and the reason why when Browstein announced, “We will be playing two songs from an album that came out 25 years ago,” the audience erupted in response. Their blend of indie, punk, and garage rock shows their timelessness. There’s a degree of fun and importance in every second of their show. It is difficult to tell if it’s just because of their legendary status in the indie scene that makes this importance feel so evident or if it’s the message of their music itself that has solidified their status in the scene. Regardless of whether the chicken preceded the egg, witnessing Sleater-Kinney feels like a milestone in any concertgoer’s bucket list.
