Ex-members of Sleater-Kinney, Helium, and The Minders formed the Portland supergroup Wild Flag last year. After a few practices and a short tour, they released their eponymous album to critical acclaim in September 2011. The band’s quick chemistry is obvious throughout the album, and the varied influences that the band pulls in rarely feel forced. The punk aesthetic and energy that Wild Flag flaunts is mixed with bits of surf, psychadelia and classic rock in every efficient song.
Their multivalent sound is only possible through the bandmates’ excellent cooperation. The singer-guitarists Mary Timony and Carrie Brownstein play off each other excellently in both voice and instrumentation. Keyboardist Rebecca Cole and drummer Janet Weiss compromise the excellent rhythm section of Wild Flag that is hardly relegated to the background. Cole’s keyboarding gives the album a harmonic credential that balances the band’s grungy confidence, and Weiss re-establishes her position as one of the most consistent drummers in indie-rock. Wild Flag exceeds their high expectations with an attitude and energy that expands their already impressive credentials.
The track here, “Romance,” shows off how eclectically the band mates influence each other. The opening riff and bruising drum track bounce off each other while the chorused vocals and lead guitar dominate once the bridge comes around.
Merge Records released Wild Flag, and the band is currently touring the West coast.