Sleater-Kinney to tour

Lesbian-inclusive indie rock trio Sleater-Kinney has slated a short two-leg spring tour. The first leg, beginning April 21 in Towson, Md., will concentrate on the East Coast with Sub Pop act Thermals opening. The West Coast leg, beginning May 14 in Santa Cruz, Calif., will feature Quasi in the opening slot. "Why are the tours so brief?" the band wrote on its Web site. "Because we are writing songs and getting ready to record. More extensive U.S. and overseas tours will commence once the new album is out." The band will also be among those playing the Sasquatch Festival May 29 at the Gorge in George, Wash. Sleater-Kinney's last album, 2002's One Beat (Kill Rock Stars), has sold 70,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The band toured extensively in support of One Beat, including a long stretch opening for Pearl Jam as well as headlining club and theater tours.