Ep 13. Sleater-Kinney / Heartless Bastards

Sleater-Kinney, the iconic indie rock band, and Heartless Bastards, the garage rock group, take center stage on the thirteenth episode of the forty-first season of Austin City Limits.

Sleater-Kinney, consisting of Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein, and Janet Weiss, has been hailed as one of the most influential bands of the past few decades. Known for their feminist lyrics and powerful performances, Sleater-Kinney has released nine studio albums, including their most recent, The Center Won't Hold, produced by St. Vincent. The trio kicks off the episode with their hit song "Bury Our Friends" from their 2015 album No Cities to Love. The intense energy of the song sets the tone for the rest of the set, which includes fan-favorites like "Jumpers," "Little Babies," and "Modern Girl." The band's chemistry and passion for their music are evident in every note and lyric, making for a captivating and electrifying performance. Brownstein's guitar skills and Tucker's vocals are particularly impressive, with Weiss's drumming anchoring the band's sound.

Following Sleater-Kinney's set, the Heartless Bastards take the stage. The band, fronted by Erika Wennerstrom, has been making music for over a decade and has released five albums. Their blend of blues, rock, and Americana has won them a devoted following, and their performance on Austin City Limits is a testament to their talent. Their setlist includes "The Mountain," "Only For You," and "Gates of Dawn," showcasing Wennerstrom's powerful vocals and the band's tight instrumentation. The use of pedal steel guitar and harmonica adds a country flavor to the performance, and the band's chemistry is palpable.

In addition to the music, the episode includes interviews with both bands. Sleater-Kinney discusses their evolution as a band, their commitment to activism and social justice, and the challenges they faced while recording The Center Won't Hold. Brownstein and Tucker share anecdotes about their friendship and musical influences, and Weiss talks about her role in the band as a drummer. Wennerstrom of the Heartless Bastards talks about the band's songwriting process, her influences, and the support of her bandmates.

Overall, the thirteenth episode of Austin City Limits season 41 offers a dynamic and passionate performance by two talented bands. Sleater-Kinney and the Heartless Bastards showcase their unique sounds and styles, and their performances are a testament to the enduring power of live music. The episode is a must-watch for fans of indie rock and Americana, and for anyone who appreciates the energy and beauty of live music performances.