It might be freezing here in Chicago, but for a few hours on Tuesday evening, the Riviera Theatre was steaming hot. Sizzling, even, all thanks to the pride of the Pacific Northwest, Sleater-Kinney.
The all-female punk trio recently reunited in the studio and now on stage after a 9-year hiatus. To say that the rock world is grateful to have them back would be an understatement. And to say that their fans are happy they’ve returned is an even bigger understatement. Many Chicagoland faithfuls stood in line in subzero temperatures for hours in order to secure a spot as close to the stage as possible for the sold-out show. “It was worth it,” I overheard. “Absolutely,” a unison of voices responded.
I’d have to agree. Sleater-Kinney sounds better than ever, even just a few towns into their tour for their acclaimed latest album, No Cities to Love. They are a perfect equation, from Carrie Brownstein’s in-your-face guitar riffs to Janet Weiss’ booming drums and Corin Tucker’s unwavering voice. If you want to see some musicians kicking ass, go see Sleater-Kinney.
Every song played, be it new or old, became an anthem for the audience, who belted along to all the words, banging their heads in approval. Of course, the good vibes must also be partially credited to opener Lizzo, a hip hop artist from Minneapolis who proved to be wildly entertaining and talented. I’d be remiss not to mention her—she is worth the early arrival.
After almost a decade of waiting and hoping for a Sleater-Kinney reunion, Chicago only has to wait until July to see them again, when they play the 10th Annual Pitchfork Music Festival. Rejoice! Punk rock lives on. Welcome back, riot grrrls.
Setlist: Price Tag / Fangless / Start Together / Oh! / Surface Envy / Words and Guitar / No Anthems / What’s Mine Is Yours / Get Up / No Cities to Love / Youth Decay / Light Rail Coyote / A New Wave / One Beat / Bury Our Friends / Good Things / Entertain / Jumpers Encore: Gimme Love / I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone / Little Babies / Modern Girl / Dig Me Out
LIZZO
