HARI SREENIVASAN:

It began in dark bars and concert venues in the mid-'90s barreling out of the Pacific Northwest's indie rock scene and the feminist punk rock "riot grrrl" movement.

Rockers Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein, Janet Weiss comprise Sleater-Kinney, a band that became known for ferocious melodies and piercing vocals. Their music was unafraid to tackle questions of politics and social issues, such as the 2005 song about the surge in suicides off the Golden Gate Bridge called "Jumpers."

They developed a devoted fan base amongst a generation of underground music fans. Bands, musicians and rock critics have long sung their praises, including the noted rock critic Greil Marcus, who called them at one point the best rock band in America.

Between 1995 and 2005, Sleater-Kinney released seven albums. Their style evolved, but they held on to their political roots. "All Hands on the Bad One" tackled sexism. "One Beat" grappled with the aftermath of September 11.

But in 2006, Tucker, Brownstein and Weiss performed their last show, before taking a indefinite leave from the band. They moved on to other musical projects. Tucker had a second child and for Brownstein: