"Evolution": Wild Flag @ The Black Cat 10/20/11
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"Evolution": Wild Flag @ The Black Cat 10/20/11

Words: Paul    Photos: Kevin
I know it seems odd to use the term “evolution” in reference to a band that only came into existence at the end of last year but I could think of no better term what I saw from Wild Flag this year.  Within eight short months, Wild Flag gave an inspired (if raw) debut performance at the Black Cat, released a fantastic album, and finally returned this past Thursday as fully formed rock stars flexing their muscles at the same venue.  It is a rare thing indeed to be able to witness this type of change from a national act in such a tight window of time.

When Wild Flag first played the Black Cat in February, I had no idea what to expect.  All I knew was that two members of Sleater Kinney, the lead singer of Helium, and the drummer from the Minders had formed a band that had been getting rave reviews on its first tour.  There was no album, no video, nothing to indicate what their live show would be like.  But reputation and curiosity were enough to get me, the rest of the CG staff, and a sold out crowd through the door – a door which they proceeded to blow off its hinges.

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Live Music: Wild Flag @ The Black Cat - 2.10.11

When talking about Wild Flag, it’s hard to ignore the ghost of Sleater Kinney. Disregarding the fact that half of Wild Flag is comprised of two-thirds of Sleater Kinney, both bands are made up of all female members who play a unique brand of sludgy, aggressive, almost stoner punk, rock. Add to that the fact that  both bands have it in them to blow just about anyone off the stage they care to, and it’s completely understandable, if not valid, that many could walk away from this show feeling a longing for the return of Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss’s previous group. But Sleater Kinney is dead, so long live

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