EP REVIEW: Heavy Machinery – SLIP~ons

The resurgence of that big and bouncy sound of underground clubs of the early 21st century is in full force around the world. It’s a sound that either exploded onto one’s local scene during the 2000s and they watched it unfurl in all its glory; or it’s one that was discovered years and years beyond the fact and loved all over again by a brand new generation. Making a name for themselves since 2012, SLIP~ONS are setting the scene on fire with their nostalgia-quenching debut EP Heavy Machinery.

Being very faithful to the sound they’ve aimed for since the beginning, the band’s collective heart and soul booms through the carefree chords that will get the world up and moving. It’s the likes of tracks such as Soldier, Don’t Say Goodbye that show there has been the deepest and most intense consideration for the direction they’re moving in. Being a Canada-based act, they pinpoint their inspiration being 90s power-pop acts around the Minneapolis area and the feel is there. It’s loud and it’s emotional, it’s heartfelt with a sense of letting go and giving into the heart more than the head.

Nothing Is Good Enough is another one that pushes and pulls in the best way, and following with Mosquito leads to a thrilling adventure. For a group that compare their efforts to the likes of DINOSAUR JR. and THE REPLACEMENTS – heroes in their own musical universe – there are big shoes to fill and perhaps they have done just that. Just perhaps this band, full of members from bands such as THE DOUGHBOYS and THE SPITFIRES, have proven that their new take on a classic alt vibe is fresh and filthy – just how the underground scene likes it.

Ending on the longest track of the EP Undivided, this one closes the five-track feature on a high note. The sensations of a small club show are felt; the heart is pumping, the blood is flowing, and smiles are on everyone’s faces. The time machine has transported everyone to a simpler, if not grungier time. This type of music feels completely personal and realised to its fullest potential. This fascinating four-piece have worked well to bring this one vision to shine in everyone’s eyes and ears. This is authentic in the truest sense. This is old-school mastery at work. This is the sound of SLIP~ONS.

Rating: 7/10

Heavy Machinery is out now via self-release.

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