Sleater-Kinney have released a new single entitled “Can I Go On” off of their forthcoming album, The Center Won’t Hold, which is set for release on August 16 via Mom + Pop Records. This latest single follows up from the other two promotional tracks “Hurry On Home,” and “The Future is Here.

“In this song, a woman’s desire is used against her, so she turns it into a sinister infectiousness,” the band’s guitarist and vocalist Carrie Brownstein explained in a press release.”The narrator finds herself on the brink of self-annihilation, grappling with the paradox of an internal darkness at odds with the pressure to outwardly perform modes of joy, relatability, and likability.”

This latest track highlights Brownstein’s vocal performances, which are supported by strong backing vocals, pounding guitar riffs and a steady bassline. The track, which along with the rest of the album was produced by St. Vincent, combines elements of punk and garage rock, blended with a catch vocal hook.

“Can I Go On,” was released barely a month after the departure of the band’s longtime drummer, Janet Weiss, who left the band due to their “new direction.” Weiss had been the drummer for the prolific group for over 23 years.

“After intense deliberation and with heavy sadness, I have decided to leave Sleater-Kinney. The band is heading in a new direction and it is time for me to move on. I will never forget the heights we reached or the magnificent times Corin, Carrie and I shared” Weiss stated regarding her leave.

Brownstein eventually responded to Weiss’ departure with her own statement:

“What am I supposed to say? She left. We asked her to stay. We tried. It’s hard and sad. Most people would ask me, “hey are you ok?” That’s the human response. She’s left us with a job to do, a job we also expected and wanted her to be a part of. Her playing on this record is amazing and she’s raved about this album to us and to Annie. But we have to keep looking to the future. Things change, even when those changes are hard and unexpected. Four amazing women worked on this record and we are going to honor that work”

Photo Credit: Owen Ela