Album Mini-review: Slowdive — Slowdive
File next to: Pink Floyd, Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine
How much difference does 22 years make? That will be most listeners’ first question upon learning that shoegaze heroes Slowdive have released their fourth (and self-titled) album, their first since 1995’s Pygmalion. (Two of the band’s founding members did remain busy in the intervening years with Mojave 3; that group released 5 albums.) Though the British quintet came together in the post-punk era, they have always displayed the influence of mid-period Pink Floyd (in the form of stately, glacially-paced compositions) more than of punk-era acts like Siouxsie and the Banshees. And beneath the gauzy arrangements are often simple yet catchy melodies. If Mojave 3 was a detour into more pop-leaning styles, Slowdive is a return to form. Even the song titles make that clear: the opening tune is “Slomo.” And that provides a simple answer to the opening question: not very much at all.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.