Now, I always go into comeback albums a little hesitant. But hearing this album’s intro, “Slomo”, I have to hand it so Slowdive. This intro is seriously breathtaking, like what an incredible soundscape this is. The production here is absolutely pristine, Slowdive clearly took their time with this and made this as spotless as possible. The twinkling guitars and the very icy synth lines come off really nicely, and just add to the very starry eyed atmosphere to all of this. Now heading in to this album, I felt myself asking “How does Shoegaze even SOUND in 2017?”. But if tracks like “Slomo” are the answer, I wouldn’t mind hearing some more of this. Vocally, it’s a little less flawless than they used to be from Vocalist/Guitarist Neil Halstead, but it’s still sweet and it adds very nicely to the spacey sound of everything. It’s a little more in the pop direction than I’m used to hearing for Shoegaze artists, but this seriously sounds very nice. “Slomo” is a very complete sounding intro, hitting every major cylinder needed to be hit by Slowdive, but it also leaves plenty for the rest of the album. Up next is the one song that single handedly got me to review this album, “Star Roving”. Here, Slowdive takes on their classic Shoegaze sound, that very hazy and blurry sound, while mixing it with the very upbeat and triumphant sound of modern indie. It’s beautiful really, as Slowdive do what they do best, meaning taking the standard Shoegaze sound and gussying it up into something seriously beautiful. On their last album, “Pygmalion”, Slowdive began to toy with ambient music a bit and it kind of underwhelmed me. However, with moments on “Star Roving” they were clearly just as influenced by ambient music for this, but this time it’s actually coming off fantastic. Not to mention, the guitars here just sound so stunning and clean, I can’t get enough of this one. It’s also surprisingly upbeat for a Shoegaze track, but it gives Slowdive their own little distinct niche in the genre. Up next is “Don’t Know Why”, and I can’t help but seriously loving the very twinkling guitars and the very soothing vocals. Not only are they playing their classic Shoegaze sound, they’re completely engulfing themselves within this sound making for a very atmospheric and gorgeous sound. This one is just as sweet as the last few tracks, but also comes off a little more up front and straightforward which is a nice change of pace. Not to mention, even though it’s been about 22 years since we’ve heard from Slowdive, this still comes off very youthful and young sounding, as well as seriously beautiful. Now, up next is “Sugar For The Pill”, and I’m just going to come out and say itL What the hell even happened here? This doesn’t have a single one of the qualities I’ve talked about and enjoyed on this album so far. To be perfectly honet, this doesn’t even sound the slightest bit like Slowdive. In a really bizarre way, more than anything this sounds like what it would sound like if Explosions In The Sky started incorporating vocals into their music. It’s all dreamy and dreary and all, but Neil’s vocals on this one are seriously putting me right to sleep. The guitars on this one aren’t nearly as prominent or effective, and while there is a nice atmosphere, hearing this single at first almost made me not listen to this album at all.
“Everyone Knows” at the very least instantly wakes me right up, with some of the most prominent drums and stunning synth melodies I’ve heard so far. This wall of reverb and distortion that Slowdive are bringing to the table right here is seriously incredible. This is prettier and coming off better than half of their old material. How many artists can you really say that for? The very youthful and carefree vibe to this continues to be overwhelming, and the ambient sounds the band always sort of toyed with continue to be dominating. The band playing is only really a small portion of what’s actually going on, this gigantic atmosphere is the real star, and it’s wonderful. Up next is “No Longer Making Times”, and right off the bat I feel like this is what Slowdive were going for with “Sugar For The Pill”. This is a slower jam for sure, but it’s filled with some of the most beautiful guitar licks we’ve heard so far. Here Neil and Vocalist/Guitarist Rachel Goswell’s dual vocals come off highly effective. We’re certainly dealing with some of the dreariest vocals of the entire album, thankfully though it’s not enough for them to come off as boring. When this one picks up a little with some of the grander instrumentals and bigger walls of sound, things continue to get more and more beautiful. For as much as there is going on for this album, it’s very delicate sounding, and one that certainly sound like it took a while to really get the sounding the way they wanted to. But it works magnificently, and for a Shoegaze comeback album in 2017, this works wonderfully. Next up is “Go Get It” which takes a little more time getting going, but it’s just as pristine. A lot of this production while it is flawless, has a very retro vibe to it. Hell, certain elements here sound like they were taken off one of the older Slowdive releases, like for instant the very tinny drums and the very hazy guitar licks. “Go Get It” is a real slow burner for Slowdive, but it does come off nicely. And while I wish the vocals would pick up a little, instrumentally these are some of the most epic and grand instrumentals we’ve heard so far. It’s just about as good as a slower song could get from Slowdive. There are plenty of great breaks here that build up just a little tension, and the very nocturnal atmosphere continues to be seriously VERY appealing. I wouldn’t say this is the best comeback album I’ve ever heard, but I would certainly say it’s better than 90% of them. Sadly though, the finale here really doesn’t come off nearly as good as I’d hoped. “Falling Ashes” certainly starts off beautifully. But to be honest, it’s just not what I was expect to hear. It’s sweet and light, but it’s a little TOO sweet and light. Not to mention, nothing seriously exciting happens in the entire 8 minutes it goes on. Slowdive’s songs are ofter slow burners, but they always end up paying off, and I can’t say this one pays off.
Rating: 7.7/10
Give a Listen To: “Slomo”, “Star Roving”, “Everyone Knows”, “No Longer Making Time”
Overall Thoughts: For someone who went into this album expecting absolutely nothing, this was actually a pretty great comeback record. I don't think it's mindblowing or genre changing, but to come back after 22 year to hear this, it's impressive. The ambient and Pop influence on this record is strong, and leads to the most stunning soundscapes you're going to hear this year. However, there are a few moments here that are boring beyond description sadly. Overall I really enjoy this. I'm not sure if we're going to hear more from Slowdive but if it was as solid as this, I'd certainly listen.
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