Slow Pulp was one of my pandemic lockdown bands. The time period in which the world was shut down and live music halted had a big impact on me. It made me crave the feeling of live music in a way that I didn't realize I could. One of the things that gave me a lot of comfort during that time was discovering Slow Pulp's KEXP "at home" live session on YouTube (and other live sessions like it). The session begins with the dreamy yet bittersweet song "Idaho," which resonated with me deeply and seemed to match the current mood of the world around me.
Ever since then, I've made it my mission to see Slow Pulp live any time I am able to. The Chicago-based indie pop-rock band with a healthy mix of shoegaze has been playing increasingly larger rooms since my first time seeing them at Johnny Brenda's in 2021, and deservedly so. They seem to have amassed a devoted following of fans who connect deeply with their dreamy vocals and introspective lyrics. This time around, the band is touring fresh off the release of their third album, Melodie.
HER NEW KNIFE
Philly's own Her New Knife opened up the show as most of the crowd had already filtered in from the wet and rainy street. The audience seemed awed by the band, who gave off an effortlessly cool and mysterious vibe. Their heavier shoegaze sound–with tons of texture–was a great way to start the night. After their set finished, the crowd's energy was high in anticipation of the headliner.
SLOW PULP
Slow Pulp began to a crowded and attentive Union Transfer with one of their singles off of Melodie, "Better Man." The punchy songs mixed with a dazzling light show gave an energetic start to the set. The crowd was so energetic, it led vocalist Emily Massey to question what day of the week it was. "Thanks for coming out on a…Thursday?" she remarked. Fitting for an audience with Friday-night energy. Massey appeared to almost float around the stage, especially during slower songs such as "Like Me"
About a quarter of the way into the set, Massey had an important question for the audience. "Anyone on a date?" she asked coyly. Some folks in the audience cheered in affirmation. "This song is for you," she replied, dedicating the band's performance of their song "Spill" to the couples in attendance. It was a cute moment, rounding out the feelings and emotions that many of their songs invoke.
One of the highlights of Thursday night came about halfway through Slow Pulp's set. "Alright Philly, if you know this next song, I want you to sing it as loud as you can!" The song that followed–"Falling Apart"–is one of the band's most popular. Philadelphia took the task seriously–the crowd echoed Massey, their voices especially raised during the chorus.
The band rocked their way through an 18-song main set, returning for a double-song encore that ended, fittingly, with "At Home." "We can't wait to be back in Philly," said Massey.
Slow Pulp. Photos by Jersey Wall.
SETLIST
Better Man
Cramps
Slugs
Track
Like Me
Spill
These Days
Yellow and Green
Falling Apart
Idaho
At It Again
Melodie
Red Car
Steel Birds
High
Broadview
Up to You
MUD
Encore:
Slip Away
At Home
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