Album Of The Week: Slowdive

Versatility doesn’t have to abide by an age. As long as the talent is there, it doesn’t matter how much time an artist takes off. What matters is starting again and reminding others that the talent has always existed. English indie rock legends Slowdive are back with a self-titled full-length that’s due out on May 5, and it’s their first release in 22 years. Since their reunion in 2014, the songwriting partnership of dual guitarists and vocalists Neil Halstead and Rachel Goswell has shown no rust at all. It almost seems like Slowdive simply began where they left off, the end result being one of the most anticipated releases of 2017.

With a peculiar mix of shoegaze, dream pop and ambient sounds, Slowdive rises to the occasion in brilliant ways. Guitarist Christian Savill, bassist Nick Chaplin and drummer Simon Scott back up Halstead and Goswell like a fine-tuned engine in a vintage Aston Martin. The atmospheric tones are still there and the harmonies that have always made the band great are also present. It’s a relaxing album that has a blissful essence that makes the ears swoon.

How long is 22 years in a musical sense? It can seem like an eternity depending on which band or musician is being talked about. Some artists grow old, frail and become a shell of themselves within that time period. Others find their second wind and enjoy a personal renaissance. It seems like Slowdive is doing the latter with their upcoming album. Let’s find our own second wind and bask in the top tracks off of my Album Of The Week:

“Star Roving” is a forceful track that’s anchored by Savill’s, Halstead’s and Goswell’s guitars. The distortion exudes a distinct echo that has the three musicians united as a three-headed rhythmic machine. With an acoustic base, “Everyone Knows” leans more toward the dream pop route. Goswell’s voice is present from start to finish while adding to the ambient vibe. Chaplin’s bass is deep and fuzzy while serving as a focal point in “Go Get It.”

Slowdive won’t be venturing through the New England area anytime soon, but they’ll be celebrating the unveiling of their new self-titled album at Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on the same night of the album’s official release. Other notable dates include a gig at L’Olympia in Montreal the following evening and two nights at Brooklyn Steel located within the New York City borough on May 8 and May 9. If you’re in eastern Canada or The Big Apple, you should make an effort to go to one of the upcoming shows. Until they come through your friendly neighborhood music venue, grab a copy of the brand new release from Slowdive when it comes out. It took a while, but once you give it a listen you’ll know that it was well worth the wait.

Stream “Star Roving” via Youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=ogCih4OavoY; Pre-Order Slowdive’s new album here: slowdive.lnk.to/slowdive; Slowdive’s Website: slowdiveofficial.com