Introduction
Today we have something special! The psych/alt-rock band Slow Animals released their debut album on September 27, 2024, and we’re here to dive into it!
Intertwining the realms of alt and psych rock, they create a unique sound. With hints of an indie and pop edge woven into the lyrics, what’s the outcome? Most likely that this will be on repeat in my mind for weeks to come.
So, settle in, relax, and let the melodies wash over you. Let’s get into the review; it’s one hell of a trip!
For Fans Of – Queens Of The Stone Age / The Strokes / Crumb
Review
In Demise
The moment the guitar and drums come together at the beginning of the song, I feel a wave of good vibes. Paired with the gentle quality of the vocals, it creates a relaxed, almost mellow atmosphere. The bass here is exceptionally well done, adding richness to the overall sound.
This song is packed with an abundance of riffs. The drums are somewhat subdued. That’s exactly what this song requires. Any additional heaviness or complexity would drown out the musical painting produced. For a song about the death of something, this is surprisingly cheery! “There’s beauty in demise” – and in this instance, there really is.
What a way to kick off an album!
Never Knew
The song opens a little like “Stairway to Heaven,” which instantly gets my ears interested. The heightened electronic ambiance marks a noticeable shift in the album’s tone. Yet, it maintains a sense of cohesion. This is not easy to do, so top marks.
The line, “Have you ever been stuck inside your own shell?” I really connect with. Others will interpret it in various ways. For me, it reflects the struggle of anxiety. It highlights its potential to hinder personal growth.
The way all the instruments come to a halt on the word “stop” is quite ingenious. It adds a nice flair. It also demonstrates that this band know how to play with the listener.
However, I find myself drifting off around the two-minute-thirty mark. The lyrics start to feel a bit too repetitive, which is a pet hate of mine. While some may not mind it, it just doesn’t work for me.
Feel The Breeze
What a way to kick off the song, this is a great chord progression! This band excels at crafting a guitar and drum blend. However, it’s the bass that for me at least on this song is the unsung star. I’m particularly impressed by the vocal performance and arrangement in the opening verse. Overall, the song has such a lively and energetic feel to it.
This song is written so well that I think a pop artist could deliver it easily and it’d still work. I would love to hear this one live!
Moonlit Eyes
This track leans more into the psych-rock side than some of the others. It creates an atmosphere that’s easy to drift away in. The harmonies surrounding the vocals introduce a fresh element that the album has been missing until now.
Though the drum solo feels a bit out of place for me. It’s great to have a drum solo. Drum solos are rare in many songs. But it should seamlessly blend with the overall energy. In this instance… not so much.
Empty Breath
To me, this track takes off at the one-minute mark when the energy really ramps up. The powerful riffs in the second and fourth verses add a unique touch that makes it stand out. It’s this deeper, more rounded sound that resonates on a deeper level.
“I just knew right from the start. Of the burden of your heart.” is a killer set of lines! From the three-minute mark to the conclusion, it’s simply flawless.
Home
Oooh, now this is tasty! We’re back with the fantastic combo of drums and guitar. I think this might be my top track on the entire album. This really shows that the band shines when the vocals have a bit more energy and more weight behind them.
It carries an indie-tinged psych rock feel. If I were to suggest a path for the band, it would definitely be this one. Can we take a moment to appreciate that incredible guitar work starting at 2:30? Wow!
Leave With You
If I were to envision a song that captures the pace at which I move, this would be it. With each step forward and a slight sway of the head, it perfectly mirrors my rhythm. The track has a catchy groove, and the electronic elements are quite something else. It could easily serve as the opening theme for a sci-fi series!
I appreciate the dual meanings of ‘leave’. In the context of departing with someone but also in the haunting imagery of ‘Black leaves from bleeding trees.’ This adds a layer of creativity! Plus, that line is awesome as hell!
I commend the band for trying to weave the previous song into this one. In this case it doesn’t quite mesh. If you listen to this track on its own, it starts off feeling a bit unusual.
It All Comes Down
The song opens with a haunting vocal that instantly grabs my attention. Unfortunately my interest begins to fade. The tempo struggles to pick up speed and it does not get out of first gear.
The latter part of the track introduces some intriguing vocal layers and impressive guitar work. These elements help to redeem it a bit. Overall, it doesn’t quite reach their highest standards.
What Is For You?
This is a much smoother transition between tracks, and I’m loving it! The ethereal vibe of this song makes me feel like I’m aboard a spaceship. However, I think introducing the vocals a bit sooner would enhance the experience. Waiting 50 seconds feels a bit lengthy.
The bass in this track is incredible. There’s a segment around 1:45 that would seamlessly blend into a Royal Blood album. I really appreciate the drum section around 2:40 , but in terms of song length I’d have trimmed the final minute.
Backwards Into Forever
The opening riff carries a distinct bluesy vibe, and the vocals display a wider range as well. The stuttering technique in “Flickering” strongly evokes “My Generation” by The Who. Instrumentally, this track is remarkable; it feels like a journey that I never want to end!
At times, “Backwards” seems to be sung from an entirely different dimension compared to “Into Forever,” amplifying the psych-rock experience. For me, this could very well be the standout track on the album—can I have more than one favourite?
In Repair
The first 40 seconds transport me to a cosy campfire setting, where a lively drum circle is in full swing. While I understand this is a psych-rock album, this particular track feels like it pushes the boundaries a bit too far for my taste. Most of the song doesn’t connect with me, and that’s completely okay. However, I do appreciate the more meatier parts around 2:30, even if the rest doesn’t quite hit the mark.
It feels like two different songs clashing, as if two individuals are having a heated debate in completely different languages without reaching any resolution. Honestly, I would have preferred to see this track omitted from the album, concluding instead with “Backwards Into Forever.”
Closing Thoughts
As debut albums go this is incredible. I’ll be honest and admit its outside of my usual listening styles. However this has a real unified feel. Its music that truly lets you unwind from a busy day and you can feel your troubles fade away as it progresses.
Sure there is a couple of things that I personally don’t like but the mass majority of the time I think this is one hell of an album! With hypnotising vocals, thumping bass and tantalising drums. With a deep connection between guitar and drums making the album flow its a unique and really impressive body of work! And in places if it was to be an animal… it wouldn’t be remotely slow!
8/10
What did you think to this review and Slow Animals? Let us know in the comments!
All rights to the songs in this review belong to Slow Animals and this site claims no rights over them. The album art was provided to us by Slow Animals. The photos were also provided by Slow Animals. The album art is made by un.empty. The photos are taken by picsartbybailey.
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