Sleater-Kinney - One Beat

Although there has never been a vast rift of quality music in Sleater-Kinney’s six full-lengths since 1995, consider One Beat a return to true musical form. As they’ve hurdled many of punk rock’s obstacles in recent years, One Beat sketches a dozen tracks in testament to why they are not only the cornerstone of their Kill Rock Stars imprint, but the queens of the entire entourage of punk rock protocol as well. The key is reinvention without losing a trademarked sound. And this Olympia, Washington’s all girl trio effectively redraft themselves with booming soul, riveting blues and, of course, that brash and sexy squeal of garage-punk elixir we’ve come to expect from these scenesters. On One Beat, Sleater-Kinney hone their punk rock footing for tunes that erupt with saccharine sweet hooks that you will be humming immediately – just try the irresistibly catchy “Oh!” on for size – and songs that incorporate horns and keyboard scribbles, such as “Step Aside” and “Funeral Song.” But don’t think that the three girls [or is it women now?] in S-K forgot how to rock. Their dual guitar and drum siege continues to hammer clean chords and skippy drumbeats into the mix, creating a flow of familiarity while always willing to take that definitive step towards invention. And with S-K recapturing their evolving selves, it’s an asset that their influence is beginning to pulse through unlikely realms – the title track would not sound out of place on the Yeah Yeah Yeahs debut EP, for example. I haven’t always been enticed by S-K’s impassioned, sweet and articulate punk, but One Beat is a convincing musical vehicle willing to make the necessary stops at punk roots and delightful diversity. One Beat may not top year end lists, but this album is a welcomed rendition fitting somewhere between Bikini Kill, the Ramones and Patti Smith that stands with a strong backbone undeniably its own. [www.killrockstars.com]