Nostalgic 90s rock band Sleater-Kinney is set to take the stage at The Anthem next Tuesday, March 12.
The band emerged from the Pacific Northwest—like the riot grrrl movement it originated as part of—in the late 1990s to gain widespread attention for its female vocalists’ unique singing styles. The band, which cites inspiration from classic rock bands and feminist punks like Bikini Kill, use harsh and sometimes grating vocals to demand listeners’ focus. Often singing about heartbreak, survival or desire, the group received critical acclaim for its third album, 1997’s Dig Me Out. They also had a hit with the track “Modern Girl,” included on their 2005 record The Woods.
The Woods was released shortly before the band began an eight year hiatus. They returned with their sound intact in 2014 and continued to add five albums to its discography. Following the exit of drummer Janet Weiss in 2019, Sleater-Kinney has proved its ability to adapt to the changing times; its projects continue to toe the line between punk feminist rocker and indie singer-songwriter, and the band insists on flaunting its versatility via its experimental production and focused formula. Their most recent album, 2024’s Little Rope, delivers a fresh heavy metal feel, on the opening track “Hell,” followed by the New Wave-inspired and increasingly angry “Needlessly Wild.” With ‘Say It Like You Mean It,’ Sleater-Kinney proves it can put out a catchy pop track, and “Dress Yourself” shows the band experimenting with soft-spoken singing.
Little Rope has been hailed by critics as one of the band’s more successful post-hiatus projects, showcasing skilled layers of electric guitar and melodramatic vocals. The group still has the magic that helped it capture fans’ hearts nearly 30 years ago and will have no shortage of bangers when it rocks up The Anthem next week.
Find tickets to see Sleater-Kinney at The Anthem here.
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