Racket NYC provided an intimate backdrop for Sleater-Kinney’s most recent New York show. A two hour powerhouse set that took dedicated fans across an expansive thirty year discography, members Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker deftly mix pre-hiatus hits with more recent releases from latest album “Little Rope,” with reassurances to the audience that yes, they would play songs from the 90s too.

One of the most prolific bands to come out of the mid-90s riot grrrl scene, Sleater-Kinney have refused to fall into the trappings of a legacy act. From the first haunting notes of “Hell,” bathed in red light, to the soaring guitars of closing song “Entertain,” Sleater-Kinney painted a picture of a group just as on top of their game as they were in the beginning.

The set is a carefully crafted and balanced performance. The duo have a captivating energy on stage, with both Brownstein and Tucker playing both frenzy and calm. Brownstein whirls and whips across the stage, a contrast to Tucker’s more solid, unflappable presence to the right.

Every element of the set, from the supporting band to the lighting to the audience, weaves in to this give and take energy. When the two meet at center stage during instrumental breaks, its accompanied by crashing drums, audience cheers and intense, flashing strobes. When they stand apart at their own microphones, the music is quieter, the lighting warms and softens, and fans stand in more rapt attention, arms outstretched towards the stage.

It complements their setlist of the night, which ranges from the raging “Jumpers” to the anthemic “The Center Won’t Hold,” that’s echoing drum-heavy intro descends into a whirlwind of wailing vocals and red strobe lights. Fans were even treated to a rare performance of the more stripped down “Slow Song,” off 1995’s self titled album.

Not many get to have the career Sleater-Kinney have had, but their concert proved exactly why they do. With at least one song from almost every Sleater-Kinney album, the show was a masterclass in both performance and in discography; a dedication to a well-earned career and a promise of even more to come.

Article and Photo Gallery by Niamh Murphy