The sophomore release from Slow Pulp is a collection of indie rock that is rooted in early 90’s nostalgia as Yard, released on Anti Records, is chock full of flannel shirt goodness straight from the buzz bin.
The Chicago-based band of Emily Massey (vocals/guitar), Henry Stoehr (guitar/producer), Teddy Mathews (drums), and Alex Leeds (bass), sound confident on this release as guitarist Stoehr also handled producing, engineering, and mixing.
Opening with the melodic alt-rock of “Gone 2” Massey’s sweet vocals dance around the down strumming and slow marching beat. One of the album outliers arrives early as “Doubt” deploys skittering drums and beats in an almost dance-pop fashion, but for the most part, Slow Pulp stays in that light strumming, dreamy, hazy state with efforts like “Slugs” and “MUD” which both float along with indie rock ease.
Even the song titles feel like they would be at home on MTV’s 120 Minutes as the acoustic buzzing of “Carina Phone 1000” and the melancholy piano ballad title track flow with a stream of conscious-like lyrics. Massey’s voice is showcased throughout the album and really shines, whether she is backed by pensive acoustic strings or heavy rock guitars.
Those guitars are at their rawest on two burners. “Cramps” is a winner with feedback-laden guitar work, soaring vocals, and powerful drumming while “Worm” gets up and moving with a splash of power pop in the vein of early Weezer as the crunchy guitars ring out.
The album wraps with the easy swaying pop of “Broadview” and the acoustic ballad “Fishes” which tosses in banging and electro noises to close the record on a disorientating note. Slow Pulp keeps those odd touches in place, scuffing up a very pretty album just enough to keep things interesting throughout Yard.
