Previously, Sleater-Kinney's stridency wore thin over a full record. Now, however, the members' talents combine more organically, creating an emotional intensity that's accessible and unalienating -- particularly in the lyrics.
Several tunes on One Beat respond to September 11 and its aftermath without sounding sappy, trite or foolishly angry. On the dissent anthem "Combat Rock," Brownstein spits out lyrics like Where is the questioning; where is the protest song?/Since when is skepticism un-American? and Show you love your country/Go out and spend some cash.
On this and other tracks, Brownstein assumes a larger vocal role than on past efforts. Brilliant balance between the two singers has always been one of Sleater-Kinney's selling points, but Tucker's powerful-yet-shrill wail often grew irritating. Tucker still gets her turn, but the other members' backing vocals blend with her bellow. On "Step Aside," the most accessible example of this revamped interplay, Tucker roars over a horn section and a danceable beat while charming woo-hoo accents temper her acidic vocal melody.
With One Beat, Sleater-Kinney combines the pop sensibilities of 2000's All Hands on the Bad One with the political-mindedness of the group's earlier work. The result is not only its best album but also the one most likely to turn mere rock fans into Sleater-Kinney fans, as supporters suggested was possible all along.
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