Sleater-Kinney - Hot Rock

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Free Music Notes for Hot Rock

Free Music Review: Stunning
Hit: 5 Stars

It begins with the guitars. In each song they perform duets with one another, using rhythm and melody--no boring power-chords--and with tremendous energy and passion. As each song moves from beginning to chorus to bridge and then back, the pattern constantly changes, sometimes only slightly, and to an increasing, mounting intensity. It does not let up. Just when you think they've reached a crescendo, KAPOW, the pattern changes again, the intensity increases, and you're reeling.

Interestingly, they do not use a bass guitar, but its lack in no way detracts from the experience. In fact, you have to listen very carefully to realize that it's not there. The reason for this is that Corin Tucker plays bass patterns using the bass strings of her six string guitar. This is done to great effect because for one it sounds just as good as a bass guitar when she wants it to; two, it allows her to strum on occasion; and, three, it also allows her to immediately switch to a regular electric guitar riff to counter that of the raging Carrie Brownstein.

It is really a remarkable experience to listen to this guitar work, and listening to this band would be a treat for that alone. But when you talk about Sleater-Kinney, you have to talk about the drumming of Janet Weiss, who is superb, and in my book, the best drummer in the business. For one thing, she never takes the easy way out, always using a complex rhythm or pattern--even when a simple one would suffice--but never sacrificing the pounding that true rock enthusiasts require either. Secondly, and as with the guitars, she changes these patterns regularly during the course of the songs, helping to build their almost unbearable intensity. And thirdly, her work with the bass pedal is astounding. I don't know if she uses one or two, because it sounds as if she's using about six. She is just magnificent, and Sleater-Kinney might not be able to get by without the use of the bass guitar without her.

Of course, when you talk about Sleater-Kinney, you have to talk about the lead vocal. Oh, yes, The Voice. How do you describe it? A shrieking howl? A howling, high-pitched wail? I will admit it takes a bit of getting used to, and I actually kind of wonder whether Sleater-Kinney hasn't achieved the fame they deserve because of it. It is always the first thing you notice, and I suspect some people are initially put off by it, never to return. This is a shame, because once you, er, acclimate yourself to it, you will find that it is no less remarkable than the other magnificent components of this band. There is no way to describe with words the passion and strength of this vocal performance. Listen to the way she sings the phrase, "God is a Number," particularly towards the end of the song, when she simply leaves out the, "is a." This isn't a listening experience; it's way beyond that. This is an epiphany. A psychotic reaction. Insanity.

There is not much more to be said, but with apologies, I would make a couple of suggestions. One, I would like to see the songs, which are each about three or three and a half minutes long, lengthened a bit. As I mentioned, just about every one of them eventually works its way into practically an epilectic fit: I would dearly love to see these extended somewhat, maybe only for ten or fifteen seconds or so. Secondly, they have reached a point in their career where they could have their pick of guest musicians. For example, they did use a viola on track 10, which was wonderful. I would like to see a piano on a couple of these; maybe a saxophone on a couple more.

But on the other hand, who cares? If they keep on doing what they do, I sure won't. (I don't have and haven't heard their most recent album. I have taken steps to correct this problem.) They are just a superb rock band, with a precise understanding of what the term means, and with the skill and the passion to pull it off. There are those in the media and on these very pages who describe them as the best rock and roll band in the world. Are they really? Yep. You bet.

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