A funny thing happened on the way to the blog this morning. I was thisclose to writing a review of a record an LA indie rock band just released that I had forgotten I’d preordered. Like I said: I do that a lot. But! Suddenly, like an oversized beach ball on a windy day, slo-anne came my way. Their new record whiplash (occasionally capitalized but perhaps begrudgingly) was released Thursday and it’s a fun-as-heck rock record with some 90s vibes. This was also true of the LA band’s release, but as it turns out I like slo-anne’s more. Plus, they’re from New England. So womp womp. Sorry for now, west coasters. (If you message me, though, I’ll tell you what the other release was. It’s still a good record! Even though the drums are over-compressed.)
slo-anne are Celicy and Andy, a sister and brother duo (neat!) originally from Connecticut who have been playing out of Boston for about a decade now. I admit, the fact that the band is a sibling pair did quite color my reaction to them because I always think that’s… well, neat! I’ve played in bands for [quietly does math] about 25 years now and I have experienced a lot of different band dynamics in my time. The idea of playing music with a sibling seems like it could be really rewarding but not without risks. For me, I wonder if it would make me hold back lyrically. Then again, full disclosure: I haven’t spoken to my half brother in about eight years.
whiplash, which singer/guitarist Cecily says is named after her tendency to hurt her neck headbanging at their gigs, is a juicy summer rock album. With seven tracks and under 20 minutes of music, it’s arguably an EP but reads like a full-length, with a good flow through the tunes. I’d say that whiplash is “mostly upbeat but not terribly optimistic.” The music will pick you up but the lyrics will make sure you don’t fly away, if you know what I mean. A melancholy but enjoyable romp. A-ha! See? I told you there would be 90s vibes in here. IYKYK.
The second track on whiplash, back on the train, is a nice example of this contrast. We’ve got some hopeful cowbell action in the intro and then just when the smiling conductor is about to punch our tickets:
as most of you already know
my luck is down I'm a little low
I don't want your concern
just a little sympathy
I'd say it's easier I guess
for me to care a little less
about my self and what you want from me
This song wraps up with an attitude of carrying on despite someone else’s bullshit, but not without some battle scars. Surely, it is good to be “back on the train.” But man, what a trip.
Another thing that piqued my interest about slo-anne is the fact that Cecily plays both guitar and bass on the record. While this is not an uncommon phenomenon (nomenon), I didn’t know that until after I’d listened through once and specifically noted how I really liked how some of the guitar and bass lines worked in tandem. I had imagined two people braining together but it turned out to be one person double-braining, and I always think that’s fun. The bass parts from “cramps” and “shitty dreams" especially make me happy as they intertwine with the guitar and the latter features some neat wibbly-wobbly vocals halfway through.
You can pick up whiplash now on slo-anne’s Bandcamp or find it on the streamy things. I recommend putting this one on when you’re out for a sunny drive or at the cookout next week. Especially if you’re still a little salty about that thing that person did.
slo-anne will celebrate the release of whiplash on Wednesday, July 31st at Deep Cuts in Medford with support from Human Mascot and hey, i’m outside.
Bands I nominate for band friendship with slo-anne:
~RMSC