Here To Be Heard The Story Of The Slits
The Slits were a pioneering all-female punk band from the UK that formed in 1976. They were part of a wave of bands that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, challenging the male-dominated punk scene with their radical feminist ethos and innovative sound. Here To Be Heard: The Story Of The Slits is a documentary film that tells the story of the band, from their early days in the punk scene to their later experiments with world music and dub.
The Early Days
The Slits were formed by guitarist Viv Albertine and drummer Palmolive, who had both been involved in the London punk scene since its inception. They were soon joined by bassist Tessa Pollitt and vocalist Ari Up, who was just 14 years old at the time. The band quickly gained a reputation for their raucous live shows and confrontational attitude, with Ari Up often engaging in on-stage confrontations with audience members.
The Slits' debut album, Cut, was released in 1979 to critical acclaim. The album featured a unique blend of punk, reggae, and dub influences, with songs that tackled feminist and anti-racist themes. The band's image was also distinctive, with the members often performing in torn clothes and with wild hairstyles.
The Band's Legacy
The Slits' influence can be heard in the work of many female artists who came after them, including Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, and Gossip. Their fusion of punk and reggae also paved the way for the emergence of the UK's 2 Tone and ska punk scenes. The band's radical feminist ethos and willingness to challenge the male-dominated punk scene also inspired many other women to pick up instruments and start their own bands.
Here To Be Heard: The Story Of The Slits is an important documentary that sheds light on a band that was often overlooked by mainstream music history. It features interviews with surviving members of the band, as well as with musicians and fans who were influenced by their work. The film also includes rare archival footage and photographs, making it a must-see for fans of punk, reggae, and feminist music.
The Band's Later Years
After the release of Cut, The Slits went through a number of lineup changes and experimented with different musical styles. They released two more albums, Return of the Giant Slits and The Slits' Bootleg Retrospective, before disbanding in 1982. However, their legacy lived on, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of fans and musicians.
In the 2000s, The Slits reformed with a new lineup and began performing again. They released an album in 2009, Trapped Animal, which featured contributions from members of Sonic Youth and The Raincoats. Sadly, Ari Up passed away in 2010, but the band continued to perform and record until their final breakup in 2012.
Conclusion
The Slits were a groundbreaking band that challenged the male-dominated punk scene with their feminist ethos and experimental sound. Here To Be Heard: The Story Of The Slits is a documentary that does justice to their legacy, shedding light on a band that was often overlooked by mainstream music history. The film is a must-see for fans of punk, reggae, and feminist music, and a fitting tribute to a band that paved the way for future generations of female musicians.