Slow Pulp’s rise to stardom has been well-earned over the years. Singles such as “At Home” and their second EP “Big Day” launched the Chicago-based quartet into the ever-growing world of indie rock. With fuzzy melodies and melancholic lyrics, Slow Pulp manages to perfectly blend the realms of shoegaze and soft rock, as noted in their song “High,” a moody piece about feeling out of place in society.
Their latest release Yard explores a variety of genres, in differentiation from some of their earlier albums which tended to stick to the same mood. Each song on the album tells a different story- whether it be about heartbreak, isolation, or simply seeming out of touch with the rest of the world. Yard focuses heavily on the human psyche and relatability of emotion in a touching way.
The first track off the album, titled “Gone 2,” details the fear of having someone you love slowly begin to fall out of love with you— a reality far too real for many of us. This acoustic piece features an enchanting melody and starts the album off with a soft tone that gradually leads into two rock-based songs “Doubt” and “Cramps.” Cramps in particular is one of my favorites from the album; the guitar riffs and catchy lyrics describing jealousy and greed are quite relatable, especially in the modern age of social media.
Switching back to a calmer tone, “Slugs” is a soft indie-pop song describing lost love. By comparing a romantic partner to a summer song hit, lead singer Emily Massey perfectly captures just how fleeting emotional connections can be. “Yard” and “Carina Phone 1000” are both about feeling detached from society. The use of rather upbeat piano in “Yard” contrasts quite nicely with the rather sad lyrics and sends a powerful message— one of wearing a mask while hurting emotionally. Country-inspired “Broadview,” featuring a medley of twangy guitar and harmonica, has Massey singing about self-doubt and the importance of fighting for oneself.
“MUD,” my personal favorite, presents the longing of escapism from society and one’s own heavy-heartedness. This piece switches from acoustic to electric guitar throughout to convey the range of emotions one can experience. Massey’s delivery is magical and really transports the listener into a world of comfort, heartache, and contemplation. What I love about this album is just how experimental it is. Slow Pulp manages to combine country, pop, and rock into a single album and absolutely nail every genre. The lyrics all focus on a single theme of the human experience, which ties together the use of so many different styles of music. If I were to sum up Yard into a single word it would have to be: relatable. Every track on the album discusses the range of emotions that everyone feels on a daily basis, which helps the artist connect to the listener in a beautiful way. Overall, Yard is extremely well-thought out and creative, sure to be regarded as a modern-day masterpiece in the music community for years to come.