Tag Archives: Wild Flag

Owl and Bear’s Most Anticipated Albums of 2011

As a music fan, I’m waiting for the release that defines the new decade. You know what I’m talking about; every 10 years or so, a band comes out of nowhere with the perfect storm of style, lyrics, and — oh yeah — music.

The 80s had Guns ‘N Roses, the 90s Nirvana, and the 2000s gave us The Strokes. Granted, none of those bands dominated for a full 10 years, but they spawned countless imitators, some enjoyable and some terrible. That feeling of uncharted territory and danger rolled up into one is what I miss and am still waiting for. Remember when you first heard “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” or “Last Night”? I’m guessing you were instantly on board, just like I was. Continue reading…

Live Review: Wild Flag at the Casbah, November 20, 2010

No one who attended Saturday’s Wild Flag show knew quite what to expect. The newborn supergroup had no recordings to its credit and only a handful of shows under its belt. All that was really known about the band was its prestigious lineup, which included two members of defunct riot grrl legends Sleater-Kinney. As the all-girl group teased on its Twitter account, “For all you know, we’re a polka band.” Continue reading…

Born to be ‘Wild’

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…