Tom Lynch

Sleater-Kinney, as it has repeatedly in its now decade-long history, once again proves its status as one the best, if not the best, rock bands in America. The riot grrl roots matched with the recent dive into classic rock shake wildly in "The Woods," S-K's seventh record, a ten-song rupture through odd nostalgia, politics and growing older. Corin Tucker's voice has grown deeper and has never been stronger as she scales the fretboard with mysterious ease, while Carrie Brownstein, her evermore-gentle and blazing partner in tornado-guitar crime, sneaks in soft harmonies and a few solo shots herself. Janet Weiss continues to be a wonder behind her kit, and is, absolutely without a doubt, the finest drummer to view live with her quixotic beats drawing every eye in the room. "How the hell does she do that?" While "Call the Doctor" improved on the Bikini Kill-advanced sound of its self-titled debut, "Dig Me Out" shot S-K into chaotic territories of fan-worship, and the following "The Hot Rock," "All Hands on the Bad One" and "One Beat" kept reinventing the band's sound without changing its dangerous, powerhouse foundation. "The Woods" makes me sweat with Northwestern verve. Show us your riffs, baby.

Sleater-Kinney plays June 16 at the Riviera, 4746 North Racine, (773)275-6800. (2005-06-15)

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