Some strong contrasts in the album "Susan's Room", by Chicago band "The Slaps". Sometimes it's the earlier or first music of a band that grabs me. Such is the case with music of The Slaps. I've listened to the wide range of music they have posted on line, but I keep going back to that early album, "Susan's Room", which, coincidentally, was recorded in the actual Susan's Room.
There's a contrast in the mood of the various tracks in the album. Check out "Song for a Friend", which is the second track on the album. I love the guitar work in this, especially in the intro!
A much different tone is heard in the seventh track of the album "Will Have Been Being Around". This has contrasts within the song itself. While the instrumentals remain smooth and confident, and, in this song, slowing down a little to almost mellow, the vocals, by contrast are fractured, agitated, anguished, and inebriated!
Maybe it was the rough-around-the-edges quality of the first recording, but I like the confident instrumentals in this first album.
The Slaps came to Philly a few weeks ago and I heard them play at Cambridge Room, on the lower level of Warehouse On Watts. They did a good show. Would like to see them again.
But, whoa, I might have to wait. The Slaps doesn't have any other planned shows on the East Coast. Here is the click to the Facebook page where you can keep an eye on what they're doing. The Slaps on Facebook (CLICK HERE).
(pic at top is from The Slaps' Bandcamp page)
