Slow Pulp's Transcending Debut Album
- clairealisz
- Oct 18, 2020
- 2 min read
Review: 9/10
Moveys is Slow Pulp’s first full length album, but it doesn’t feel like that in the slightest. Their sound is mature and well defined, resembling that of a group who is further along in their music career. In Moveys, Slow Pulp moves away from post punk and towards a more genuine shoe gaze and dream pop sound that transcends any one decade: it could easily fit onto your late 80s/early 90s playlist or alongside your most recent indie tunes.
Based in Chicago, the group consists of Emily Massey (vox and guitar), Henry Stoehr (guitar), Alex Leeds (bass) and Teddy Mathews (drums). They began working on the album Fall 2019 while on tour, but Moveys took a turn when Massey faced health complications, and as everyone began adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being finished from afar, Moveys is a stunning album that weaves the group’s struggles into their songwriting.
In the opening song New Horse, Massey’s vocals carefully echo and build over a beautiful finger picked pattern played on acoustic guitar, which gives the song a slight folk feeling. Stylistically, this is quite different from anything the group has made before, but is a very comfortable opening to the album and good lead into the song Trade It. Much like New Horse, Trade It continues to feature Massey’s vocals, which become much more haunting, and revealing of her vocal range.
Idaho returns to the grungy shoe gaze sound we’re used to hearing from Slow Pulp, and is one of the best moments on the album. The title comes from the guitarist Henry Stoehr’s mistake in thinking he was playing a gig in Idaho, while he was actually in Colorado. Although a funny backstory, the song itself is quite vulnerable with lyrics like “my doubt’s too loud… I don’t think I can win my pride on time”. Massey gently suspends these lyrics over a truly captivating stew of fuzzy guitars and delay pedals.
Another beautiful moment on Moveys is the song Montana, which sits second to last and helps to slow the album down, indicating the end is near. Incorporating slide guitar and harmonica, this song also challenges what we’re used to hearing from the group and shows just how versatile they really are. The gloomy lyrics and whispery voice also feel reminiscent of Greg Gonzalez from Cigarettes After Sex.
With so many outstanding moments on this album, Moveys is no doubt Slow Pulp’s most impressive project yet. It simultaneously conveys much of what their past music has sounded like, while also showing that the group isn’t afraid to break any musical boundaries by experimenting with other styles. It’s also important to note the group’s resilience in the face of change and adversity, while their music adapts to the new “normal”.
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