The Hot Rock [LP]

by Sleater-Kinney

Overview

Expectations for Sleater-Kinney's fourth album were stratospheric, with the raging, tuneful feminist catharsis of Call the Doctor and Dig Me Out having garnered near-universal critical raves and outlandish media hype. Afraid of falling into a predictable rut, though, the band bravely pushed its range of expression into more personal, subdued, and cerebral territory on The Hot Rock. That means the record isn't quite as immediately satisfying as its two brilliant predecessors, but it does reward those willing to spend time absorbing its nervy introspection and moodiness. Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein push relentlessly for more complex interplay, both in their vocal and instrumental work; even the gentlest songs might break into unexpected dissonance or take an angular, off-kilter melodic direction. As such, there's never an obvious, gut-level anthem that jumps out at the listener in the manner of an "I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone" or "Words and Guitar," but the intensity simmering under the surface does bubble over often, thanks to the group's greater use of dynamic shifts. There are fewer protest songs this time around, as most of the lyrics explore failed relationships and personal uncertainty, yet it manages to retain the sense of empowering catharsis that makes the group so compelling. The Hot Rock can invite comparisons to a less jam-oriented Television or a minimalist version of indie compatriots Helium (not to mention the obvious Kim Gordon homage on "Get Up"), but in the end, it stands on its own as Sleater-Kinney's most progressive and experimental work, as well as their darkest. ~ Steve Huey

Product Details

Release Date:	10/21/2014
Label:	Sub Pop
UPC:	0098787110616
Rank:	24171

Tracks

1. Start Together
2. Hot Rock
3. The End of You
4. Burn, Don't Freeze
5. God Is a Number
6. Banned from the End of the World
7. Don't Talk Like
8. Get Up
9. One Song for You
10. The Size of Our Love
11. Living in Exile
12. Memorize Your Lines
13. A Quarter to Three

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sleater-Kinney   Primary Artist
Seth Warren   Viola,Violin
Carrie Brownstein   Guitar,Vocals
Janet Weiss   Drums
Roger Moutenot   Slide Guitar
Corin Tucker   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Kip Beelman   Engineer
Sleater-Kinney   Composer,Performer
Carrie Brownstein   Composer
Greg Calbi   Mastering
Janet Weiss   Composer
Roger Moutenot   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Corin Tucker   Composer