Slow Crush - Part Time Punks Session

Following up on yesterday’s midday post we have a second Part Time Punks Session release for yet another band you probably haven’t heard of. Slow Crush is a compelling and abrasive shoegaze band dealing with the aesthetics of contrasting sounds and of thoughtful introspection and tones of desolate longing. The cross-generational themes found in shoegaze which modern bands like Slow Crush are expertly carrying that ennui-laden torch with an especially adept hand. The vulnerable soft floating voice of Manchester's Isa Holliday is found underneath layers of grungy shoegaze soaked Belgian noisepop seeking shelter from a fucked up world.  Slow Crush were on tour in the USA during 2018 and popped into Cave Studio’s in L.A. to record a four track Part Time Punks Session. The session was released on the second edition of their single ‘Ease’. 

Slow Crush – Ease

The meteoric rise of Belgian shoegazers Slow Crush has been something to behold. Following the release of their highly acclaimed debut album Aurora in 2018, the band embarked on a rigorous touring schedule, gathering the adulation and loyal following, and the critical praise they rightly deserve. The time seems right then for their debut 4 track EP Ease, accompanied by a four track Part Time Punks live session recorded at Cave Studio in LA.

Opening track ‘Dizzy’ encapsulates everything that makes the band so wonderful: treacle thick guitars, Isa Holliday’s breezy and ethereal vocals, and an atmosphere that is so intoxicating and dreamlike it’s impossible to resist. The ’90s influences shine through on this track too, recalling Gish-era Smashing Pumpkins and the rich, warm-blanket tones of My Bloody Valentine. ‘Sway’ follows in a similar fashion, the intro guitars shimmering like the morning sun on a sleeping sea. All the hallmarks that would make Aurora so special are here in abundance and it’s a testament to the band’s talents as to how accomplished it all sounds, especially considering this was recorded in the band’s living room on borrowed equipment. ‘Biglip’ takes a heavier and faster route, showcasing the band members’ hardcore and punkier beginnings. Once again however, Holliday’s vocals smooth out these rough edges, lifting the track to another plain, steering the song far above the clouds.

The four live tracks on offer here demonstrate how the band are effortlessly able to replicate their studio magic into a live setting. ‘Aurora’ the haunting title track that closes their debut album sounds blissful here, as the guitar leads intertwine effortlessly with Holliday’s vocals. A beautiful alternate version of ‘Sway’ is included here followed by ‘Tremble’, a haunting ballad-like track about giving a voice to the world’s unheard and forgotten. It sounds even more touching live as the delicate echo drenched intro sparkles with sorrow before Hallidays’s rumbling bass shudders the song to life. ‘Glow’ is an absolute stormer both in a live setting and on record, proven here as Halliday’s vocals are propelled along by some addictive riffing and driving drum work.

In all, this expanded edition of Ease is a must for Slow Crush fans, and with the inclusion of the four live tracks this expanded version of Ease would also serve as a perfect entry point for curious newcomers to the band.