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Slowcoaster Second Album Worth a Listen |
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Written by DAN HYMAN
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Wednesday, 26 November 2008 |
Take one listen to this Canadian group’s second official-release, and it becomes apparent that our neighbors to the north have talents that exist far beyond the ice arena. Slowcoaster’s Future Radio is an impressive blend of funk, reggae and space rock, with a side offering of punk-pop that leaves listeners craving for more.
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Slowcoaster
|  Entertainment
Art
"Future Radio"
(Company House)
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Slowcoaster has become a mainstay on the Canadian indie-rock scene since their formation in 1999, particularly within the Nova Scotia festival scene, making names for themselves for their unwillingness to have a specific musical genre slapped upon their collective forehead. With Future Radio, this hidden gem to the north may finally make a lasting impression upon American audiences.
The tightness of the group is apparent almost instantly and displays itself prominently on tracks such as ‘I Was Here’ and the single ‘Leave,’ both which feature entrancing guitar riffs, overlaid with pulsating beats on the bass drum and high hat by drummer Brian Talbot. This instrumental combination is pleasantly intermixed with soothing vocals from lead singer Steven MacDougall, who is eerily reminiscent of Cake’s John McCrea.
The production quality of Future Radio points at the band’s maturity as a unit and willingness to perfect their craft while in the confines of the studio. At times while listening to the album, one begins to notice the ethereal sounds within several tracks include just the right amount of space necessary for improvisation in a live performance. The album evokes images of a crowded club with sweaty love-soaked ravers nodding their heads in succession to the beat of ‘Leave’, while simultaneously procuring visions of a dreadlocked crowd passing around a hookah to the Sublime- influenced tracks ‘Drink the Water’ and ‘Holdin’ Down The Fort.’ These delightful contradictions are ever-present within Slowcoaster’s sound, and only add to their appeal.
The track ‘Ten Bird’ perhaps best displays the versatility of the musicians, not only for its varying musical soundscape, but also for its showcase of the band’s willingness to mix up their sound within a single track. In just under five minutes of music, Slowcoaster transforms from a Latin-infused Santana-esque jam into a starkly different punk riff more akin to the likes of Fall Out Boy. Again, so very different, but still so very likeable.
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Cool band!
Written by Guest on 2008-11-28 14:41:42
I like the CD! | AMAZING BAND!!!
Written by Guest on 2008-12-17 16:15:50
Saw these guys in Toronto and Halifax and they blew the other bands out of the port!!! Not only are their songs catchy but their musicianship is amazing, they can play for hours without skipping a beat. Luv them!!!!
| SLOWCO
Written by Guest on 2008-12-18 20:58:28
This is my favourite band ever!!! I love Slowcoaster so much, and their music is just phenomenal... I can't get enough. I've met the guys and they're all great and genuine people who play music for a living, not for the bucks or for fame, but they definetly deserve to make it big with their addictive sound... Mikey knows how to own that bass and Steve... well Steve is probably one of the most talented song writers alive today with his soulful lyrics... Brian keeps the music all together with his kick-ass drum playing, always on time and a clean beat... Thank you Slowco for all your inspiration and awesomeness!! I can't wait to see you boys again this January!!! Love your biggest fan who you can count on to spread the word!!! | Written by Guest on 2008-12-21 12:04:41
one of my all time favorite bands. what more can i say?! |
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