At long last, the debut album from Wild Flag has a release date.
Wild Flag are, of course, the supergroup comprised of Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney), Mary Timony (Helium), Rebecca Cole (The Minders) and Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney, Quasi). Until now, the band has only put out one recording, the “Future Crimes”/”Glass Tambourine” 7-inch released on Record Store Day. The 2-song single was a tantalizing calling card for the group’s full-length debut, and now we know when we’ll get to hear it. Continue reading…
Since Sleater-Kinney‘s breakup in 2006, fans of the trio have held out hope for a reunion. The Olympia, Washington band dissolved at the height of its creative powers, having just released its seventh album, the classic rock-influenced The Woods.
The group had originally emerged out of Olympia’s mid-90s riot grrl scene, but quickly differentiated itself through its use of sharp guitar hooks, distinctive harmonies, and politically savvy lyrics. By the time of their breakup, Sleater-Kinney were more than just critical darlings — they were fiercely cherished by fans in a way that few bands come close to achieving. Now, at long last, those fans will be treated to a Sleater-Kinney reunion — well, sort of. Continue reading…
Nobody really likes seeing opening bands. Unless the band in question is someone you already know and/or like, sitting through an opening act is usually something people do to be polite or because they got to the show too early. Openers can be awful, boring, or, at worst, awfully boring. In their slot as opener for indie rock heroes Quasi, fellow Portlanders Explode Into Colors could have been just another in that mediocre tradition. Instead, the unassuming trio upstaged Quasi. Continue reading →
In the all-too-fleeting world of indie rock acclaim, Quasi are as close to an institution as it gets. The Portland-based trio have been around since 1993, and their music has remained refreshingly wrinkle-free. Led by Sam Coomes on vocals, keys, and guitar, and ex-wife Janet Weiss—of defunct rock goddesses Sleater-Kinney—on backup vocals and drums, Quasi have been quietly releasing loud music for almost two decades. Continue reading →
