What’s most impressive about No Cities to Love is that it’s a pretty good Sleater-Kinney album. It’s not a desperation-fueled statement of purpose, it’s not a classic, and it doesn’t represent a major sonic departure for the group. Really, there’s no proof that it came out a decade after their last album. It could have…


Sleater-Kinney: Two Shows In Two Countries In Two Days
Anyone who has read my previous articles for this site knows of my admiration for the recently reunited Portland-based punk rock three-piece Sleater-Kinney. So when Sleater-Kinney announced a UK tour in support of their first album in ten years, No Cities to Love, I managed to get tickets for both the Manchester and Glasgow shows.…

Record Of The Week: Sleater-Kinney – ‘No Cities To Love’
“Part of this whole Sleater-Kinney 2.0 is breaking the rules.” – Corin Tucker If there ever was a reunion that need to happen, it was that of Sleater-Kinney. The Portland-based band, who went on hiatus in 2006, were one of the few bands that combined the personal and political to devastating musical effect. They were…

John Reid’s Top Ten Records Of The Year
We know that the end of the year is a time for critics to list their favorite albums/films/tv shows etc., so not wanting to feel left out, I’ve compiled my own list of the best albums and song of 2014. Enjoy. #10. Eels – The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett Eels’ main man Mark…

Mary Timony: Fourth Time’s (Hopefully) The Charm
It’s rare for a musician to be in one great band, but Washington DC guitarist Mary Timony has managed to be in four, the latest of which, Ex Hex, could quite possibly be her best yet. Timony began her career in Dischord Records all-girl band Autoclave, who didn’t really fit into any musical category but…

The Clash And Sleater-Kinney: The Last Gangs In Town
When punk rock legends The Clash were ruling the roost in the late 70’s and early 80’s, they were well known as both “The Last Gang In Town” and “The Only Band That Matters.” They were the only band that stood up for what they believed in, both musically and politically. Their ideals have influenced…