When writing about Wild Flag, it seems like the critic is obligated to talk about their past projects and the fact that the band is comprised entirely of women. By now, everyone and their mother knows this band is a supergroup featuring singer/guitarist Mary Timony (Helium), singer/guitarist Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney, Portlandia), keyboardist Rebecca Cole (The Minders), and Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney, Quasi, Stephem Malkmus & The Jicks). So while I’m supposed to be talking about age, sex, and past projects, I want to focus on the fact that they simply make great rock and roll music. No matter which way you cut it, their 2011 self-titled debut is one raucous artifact and a damn near instant classic. I had the opportunity to see if they could reproduce the exuberant energy from their debut on stage when I caught them at Paradise Rock Club on October 14th.
Eleanor Friedberger of The Fiery Furnaces opened the show in support of her recent solo debut, Last Summer. Her solo material is much easier to digest than her work with The Fiery Furnaces. Songs like “My Mistakes” showcase her knack for pop melodies and have the potential to be big radio hits. Still, like her work with The Fiery Furnaces, I sometimes find myself bored or uninterested in the material. The simple song structures and poetic nature were enjoyable enough but there has just always been something polarizing about Friedberger for me and that carried over into the live show as well.
While Eleanor Friedberger put on a laidback show, Wild Flag did anything but. Opening with “Black Tiles,” the night showcased Mary Timony and Carrie Brownstein trading off vocals and guitar licks while running wild on stage. “Romance” had all four of them shouting along with the song’s infectious chorus which definitely brought to mind their riot grrrl days. “Future Crimes” allowed Rebecca Cole's organ to take the spotlight for a song instead of simply providing a backdrop. Janet Weiss didn’t shy away from putting force behind her rhythms and it really drove the music forward. There wasn’t one moment where I was mourning the absence of bass.
Some songs like “Glass Tambourine” were much more enjoyable live than on their album. The live setting allowed the progressive elements to shine brighter and put a greater emphasis on the complex guitar work. The group rounded out a surprisingly hefty setlist with classic rock covers and new songs. Nevertheless, the highlight of the night was undoubtedly “Racehorse” which found Brownstein rocking until she fell to the ground, strumming the guitar with all her might while holding it without the strap attached. It was a testament to a raw but effective performance.
When Wild Flag gets in a groove, there is no stopping them, as evident in their performance and on their record. The show was a last minute decision on a rainy Friday where I had nothing to do. I took a risk that there would be tickets left which is why the end result was especially satisfying. I don’t think I’ll be taking such a risk when they come back around again. They are a live band not to be missed. The group have also released two of the year’s best videos so make sure to give them a view below.
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