[ATTENDED: August 22, 2021] Wilco / Sleater-Kinney / NNAMDÏ [rescheduled from August 23, 2020]
I saw Sleater-Kinney two years ago. This was the tour where Janet Weiss had just left the band and I think there were some weird feelings floating around. The show was odd since they weren’t a trio, but I came away thinking that they sounded amazing.
Last tour the had three additional players: Angie Boylan (drums), Katie Harkin (guitars/keyboards) and Toko Yasuda (keyboards). This time, their backing band was entirely different. Almost up front with Carrie and Corin was third guitarist Fabi Reyna (who started She Shreds magazine and was a major force on stage). Then in the back row was Galen Clark on keys, Bill Athens on bass and Vincent Lirocchi on drums.
I saw S-K 21 years ago when they were a punky trio and while I would have loved to see one more set with Janet on drums, this new set up is really great live. It allows them to explore in very different ways. Having Fabi play a series of piercing high notes throughout most of the songs added a nice edge to all of the songs. She also seemed to allow Carrie a little freedom to move around a bit more (something Carrie seems to be really enjoying). Plus, now that they have a bassist (!) and a keyboardist, they can make all kinds of sounds.
I was surprised that they announced a tour with Wilco because they sound so different. Although I know that Carrie and Jeff worked together on Portlandia, and that they are buds. I feel like many of the Wilco fans had no idea who Sleater-Kinney were. But there were plenty of S-K fans there to rock. (more…)
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