To describe the dizzy thrill of Sleater-Kinney, one has to reach back to the bristling energy of early rock 'n' roll. Think of Chuck Berry cackling the words to "Maybelline." Think of Wanda Jackson's redemptive howl. Think of Muddy Waters' deliberate spelling of "M-A-N," each letter promising transgressive pleasure and social upheaval.
That any band can recall that wild vitality is a gift. That they can do so on their sixth album, a time when most bands are either out of steam or out of ideas, is even more impressive. Yet "One Beat," Sleater-Kinney's newest album, generates the sort of fierce energy usually associated with adolescents.
"These are feelings that pulse through us when we play music together," says drummer Janet Weiss in an e-mail interview from the group's base in Portland, Oregon. "These currents are often powerful, and for this we're thankful."