Sleater-Kinney
The Woods (Sub Pop)
It’s been 31Ú2 years since Sleater-Kinney’s post-9/11 screed, One Beat (Kill Rock Stars), brought a blistering new heat to the protest song. So, if One Beat was the Portland, Ore., trio’s post-punk nod to Dylan, then The Woods is its Iron Butterfly. Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein’s guitars scream bansheelike, drummer Janet Weiss seemingly subsisting entirely on Red Bull and anger. Some might be tempted to describe this shift as metal-inspired, but all one has to do is revisit 1997’s Dig Me Out to realize The Woods is merely a more sophisticated version of the raw musicality evidenced in their early work. That said, Sleater-Kinney wails ferociously on its seventh LP in 10 years. “What’s Mine Is Yours” features tidal-wave guitars summoning Hendrix himself. The Woods’ standout track, however, is further testament to Sleater-Kinney’s storytelling; “Jumpers” is a chilling narrative triumph that documents a bridge-jumper’s final moments. As the jumper hits the water, the bottom drops out of the song. The impact is jarring and macabre, but it’s too compelling not to hit “repeat.” In fact, fans may have to have The Woods surgically removed from their players. It’s just that powerful, demanding to be heard.
This article appears in May 20 • 2005.