Slow Pulp - ‘Yard’ review
Slow Pulp by Alexa Viscius
Chicago-based foursome Slow Pulp’s sophomore album Yard presents a wistful indie dream drenched in summer nostalgia and reflective longing.
This well-crafted LP is decidedly slower paced than the indie rockers debut Moveys but also takes more chances, experimenting with their established hazy sound and landing somewhere between psychedelic shoegaze and pop punk perfection. Slow Pulp take their time in Yard as they dive into a moody soundscape of self-reflection and sorrow reminiscent of the female led alt rock of Alanis Morissette or Garbage.
Starting off with the light, heartfelt longing of opening song ‘Gone 2’, ‘Doubt’ kicks the LP into gear, with a relentless drum beat, grungy guitar and all the heartache of the opening to your favourite nineties’ chick flick. Similarly, ‘Slugs’ could close the same film, capturing a sense of finality and celebration through the lulling hook “You’re a summer hit/ I’m singing it”.
Yard is able to effortlessly flow from the delicate familiar style of ‘Gone 2’ and ‘Slugs’ to the pop punk headbangers ‘Cramps’, ‘MUD’ and ‘Worm’ which surprise in their intensity owed to the feature of heavier drums and unyielding guitar.
In contrast, title track ‘Yard’ is melancholic reflection by lead vocalist Emily Massey that evokes the drifting heat of a late summer, which, paired with piano, create a bittersweet tune that is deceptively upbeat compared to Massey’s meditative lyrics filled with apologies and regrets. These feelings are carried over into ‘Carina Phone 1000’ which laments but accepts “That’s life I guess”.
The band then transition once more into Americana ballad ‘Broadview’, fully folk-ed up through the use of banjo and pedal steel guitar sentimental of the classic American country sound as we transition from summer to autumn. The harmonica solo here was especially appreciated.
The band wind down with the emotional ‘Fishes’ with its stripped-down guitar, raw lyrics and intimate sound – only to end the track and the entire album with what sounds like an old arcade machine thumping and whirring.
Altogether Slow Pulp have created a delightfully empathetic record in Yard. It is an exploration of love and love lost. Sombre but sardonic, Yard reaches beyond the bands previous work to offer something for everyone from indie sad girl to ridged rocker. Despite its genre bending, Yard effortlessly melts from one track to another, always alluring in its sonic fuzz, ideal for the looming changing of the seasons. Yard simultaneously solidifies the bands unfaltering sound while showing their potential to develop as they dip their toes into other sonic pools to create music that is anchored but still leaves room for exploration.
Yard from Slow Pup is out now via ANTI- Records and available on all good streaming platforms.
