In 2017, the 90s band Slowdive had a very successful return with their self titled album that ranked high on our list of favourite albums that year. Five years on, the band return with their second release since reforming. Neil Halstead wrote all the songs and produced then mixed with Grammy award winner Shawn Everett. A darker, synthesized sound envelopes many tracks including first song “shanty”. “Skin in the Game” adds distorted guitar with a haunted voice. As Halstead sings, “skin in the game”, his voice sounds disembodied.
One of the hallmarks of the band is the vocals of Rachel Goswell who sings the opening lines on the warmer sounding “Alife”, a song that feels like sitting in a whirlpool when the jets come on. “Kisses” is more pop oriented, one that could fit on many indie dance playlists. “Chained to a Cloud” rides a synth arpeggio that is reminiscent of Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy” before the album closes with the intense “The Slab” and it’s buried vocals. everything is alive is not as immediate as it’s self titled predecessor, it shoots for inner rather than outer space. The oceans of guitar are a bit colder and darker on this return.
7/10
The Light Appears 