Slow Mass Explore Their Subtle Side On “Music For Ears 1”

Last year saw the release of Slow Mass’ debut LP “On Watch,” a dynamic post-punk epic that ended up on countless year-end lists. Part of what made it such a compelling record was its range, from intense hardcore tracks like “E.D.” and “Like Dead Skin” to their softer approach on “My Violent Years” and “Tunnel Vision Quest”. This April, the Chicago outfit dove deeper into that latter sound on their 7” “Music For Ears 1,” featuring the original “Siren” and a cover of Wilco’s “Reservations.” They’ve proven to us that they’re masters of building complexly dense rock songs, but can also find the comfort and beauty in empty space and the gaps between elements.

Simply put, “Siren” is a powerful song. Its vulnerable lyrics combined with the gradual synth swells and beautifully tender harmonies make for an uplifting, if slightly melancholic, atmospheric sound. Dave Collis (on vocals, synth, and bass) and Mercedes Webb (on vocals) reckon with trying to feel okay in the face of existential uncertainty, a rather universal struggle, juxtaposing images of a tragic bike crash with a friend finally finding love and happiness after being “misused by a series of fakes.” Even staring inevitable death in the face, they’re able to proclaim, “I’m alive and I’m pretty well, I can’t complain/Hell is a box in the corner, I can break down its borders,” the second line eliciting a discovered sense of autonomy and empowerment. The song culminates in the chant-like final refrain: “And I will let my feedback ring/And I will let my freedom breathe.” It’s a poignant sentiment, one that seems to embrace personal truth and endurance while still taking things in stride. As the crescendo of the song builds, so does the feeling of realization and acceptance of this reality. “Let’s not forget I’m alive.” Let’s not forget I’m human, mortal, fallible, imperfect – and that’s okay, I’m going to let my freedom breathe.

While “Siren” addresses more introspective personal reflection, “Reservations” acts as a perfect companion, shifting the attention outward towards a romantic relationship (a clever sequencing/selection on the part of Slow Mass). Despite being a cover, and fairly true to the original, the band still manages to let their voice shine through, resulting in it truly feeling like a Slow Mass song. We’ve all heard those covers that are so close to the original to the point of feeling almost gratuitous, so it’s always exciting when bands can take others’ material and make it their own – what a proper cover should really be. Though originally by Wilco, the existential questioning Jeff Tweedy deals with feels right at home next to that of Slow Mass. Sonically it also pairs extremely well, both songs dwelling in minimalist restraint and subtlety. The instrumentation on each track leaves plenty of room for the lyrics to take the forefront, acting purely as a bed to support Collis and Webb’s warm vocals. Their sense of dynamics, already on full display on “On Watch,” enhances the delivery of the message of each song, while also creating a more interesting and engaging listening experience. Even at only two tracks, “Music for Ears 1” delivers an elaborate soundscape filled with plenty of heart.

Bandcamp: https://slowmassmusic.bandcamp.com/