I was quite fond of the Scottish indie band Slowlight's taking back flowers EP last winter, and I'm pleased to report they've got another one out today. The cruel morning EP is really just two songs with an interlude in between, but my, what songs they are.
The Bandcamp genre tags on this one include punk, emo, indie rock, and post-hardcore, and I hear all of that in the mix on the surging title track and the explosive "looks like manflesh is back on the menu boys!" But there's an indie pop melodicism threaded throughout it all too. These tracks are magnificently catchy, and they hit hard in a straightforward yet subgenre-defiant way.
Some commentary from Slowlight:
written and recorded in our quietest year, our most sober and direct music to date, offering a glimpse into the lives of people who have lived a lot and lost a lot in a short space of time. Urgency and brightness in the melody underpin the melancholy and yearning vocals.
cruel morning laments a sleep pattern gone rogue, the loneliness even in the heart of a family, the isolation of age and the romance of connection.
the magic is relentless is an improvised interlude, soundtracking a poem about a visit to disneyland, written and read by the band's drummer (steven Hill). The track celebrates being surprised by the joy in succumbing wholly to the pristene plastic pleasantries of a multi-million pound theme park, while recognising the inherent cold and calculating capitalism.
looks like manflesh is back on the menu boys! marches straight up to the patriarchy and shouts 'what do you want from me?!". beth's vocals reach peak intensity as she pleads for some understanding.
The cruel morning EP is exclusive to Bandcamp for today, but it should be out everywhere Friday. In the meantime, listen below.
