Review: Sleater-Kinney Release New Album ‘Little Rope’

Sleater-Kinney have released ‘Little Rope,’ their highly-anticipated eleventh studio album and first for Loma Vista.

Formed in the early ’90s in the Pacific Northwest, Sleater-Kinney have always been more than just a band; they’re a force of raw energy and feminist power. Originating from the riot grrrl movement, Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein, and Janet Weiss (though Weiss left the band in 2019) have carved out a space for themselves with their unyielding spirit and cutting-edge sound.

‘Little Rope’ was informed by tragedy. In the autumn of 2022, Carrie Brownstein was unexpectedly contacted by Corin Tucker, who had been called by the American embassy in Italy. Brownstein, having previously listed Tucker as her emergency contact on a passport form, was unreachable due to a changed phone number, but Tucker’s details remained current. The embassy staff, finally managed to convey their message through Tucker: Brownstein’s mother and stepfather, vacationing in Italy, had tragically passed away in a car accident.

While parts of the album were already penned, the duo have said that the emotional shift as a result of the tragedy influenced key elements like guitar solos, vocal styles, and the overall sound of the album.

‘Hell’ is a scorching start to the album, it’s all wailing guitars and massive verses. ‘Say It Like You Mean It’ features heavy riffing as it examines the break down of a relationship. ‘Don’t Feel Right’ combines a lively melody with lyrics that delve into the serious theme of battling depression. The contrast is striking as the song’s cheery tempo underscores lines like “Don’t hang around, I’m a real letdown.”

On ‘Crusader’ the duo boldly confront the rise of the religious right in America, “Rumour is you’re trying to save us, Reimagine and rename us, You’re burning all the books in this town.”

‘Dress Yourself’ is a poignant offering that is a raw and introspective look at inner turmoil. The lyrics, “Give me a reason, Give me a remedy, Give me a new word, For the old pain inside of me,” resonate as a powerful plea for healing and understanding in the face of persistent emotional pain. ‘Untidy Creature’ features some amazing vocals by Tucker and was released with an astounding accompanying video.

Sleater-Kinney’s latest album, ‘Little Rope,’ is a return to form, showcasing the band’s ability to weave their signature sound into something both fresh and familiar. The album ties together raw emotion and energetic beats, proving that Sleater-Kinney can still rope in fans old and new with their dynamic sound.

Listen to ‘Little Rope’ HERE.

Little Rope Tracklist:

1. Hell
2. Needlessly Wild
3. Say It Like You Mean It
4. Hunt You Down
5. Small Finds
6. Don’t Feel Right
7. Six Mistakes
8. Crusader
9. Dress Yourself
10. Untidy Creature

Photo Credit: Chris Hornbecker