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THE REVIEW
How damn loud is this bird. If I had to define the genre, I’d say alt-rock / indie noise, which means chaos. It can either be liked or not.
The Woods, the album in question, was released in 2005 and presents itself as the definitive work of Sleater-Kinney (yes, they’re three SHEs); after ten years, it seems that this time the band has hit the mark. Both for the effort and the influence of Dave Fridmann, already the producer of Low and Weezer (and you can call them little bands), who supervised the whole thing.
But as we were saying; ten tracks constantly swept by the two ultra-distorted guitars and a hard-hitting drum. And that’s it. It makes you wonder why there’s no bass. Obviously, because it’s so alternative. To tell the truth, this all-female band opts for a Jack White-esque minimalist alt-rock. Throughout the album, a vague flavor of White Stripes can be felt, not only because it sounds similar but also because it lacks originality. It ranges from aggressive guitar strumming (Entertain) to screaming tracks (The Fox), with long noise delusions (Let’s call it love) and even some Hendrix-like moments (What’s Mine Is Yours). The guitar riffs bring back memories of Sonic Youth and a whole era (the new wave era), which also influences the voice in timbre/style. There are also less chaotic pieces (Jumpers) and some insights (Steep Air) that make you overlook the (various) flaws of the album. Closing with Night Light, another vibrant-off-key tune.
In short, if we avoid being sexist, if we know how to settle, if we like the mess, The Woods is for us. But if we demand masterpieces, great inventiveness, or technique, better to resort to something else. Consider yourself warned…
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Summary by Bot
The Woods by Sleater-Kinney is a loud, chaotic alt-rock album defined by heavily distorted guitars and hard-hitting drums. Produced by Dave Fridmann, it channels influences like Sonic Youth and the White Stripes but lacks originality. While it offers engaging moments and aggressive energy, it isn’t for those seeking masterpieces or high inventiveness.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Sleater-Kinney
Sleater-Kinney are an American indie rock band formed in 1994, linked to the riot grrrl scene and known for interlocking guitars without bass. Core members are Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, with Janet Weiss on drums during their classic era; they went on hiatus in 2006 and reunited in 2014.06 Reviews
Other reviews
By Jenny
"The Woods, in fact, represents the pinnacle of a climb that the three girls progressively undertook successfully."
"Entertain. A denunciation sung with bored and tight voices against the current indie scene, seen as a passive copy of past bands."
By Sangemini
The album flows pleasantly between skewed but unforgettable riffs, singing that's hard (or even hysterical...) but ready to turn melodic.
Definitely the best album released in 2005 (and don’t tell me otherwise for Mentre Tutto Scorre by Negramaro..).
