Slowklahoma’s “Dog Days” is a poignant masterpiece that encapsulates the band’s ability to blend wistful lyricism with infectious melodies. Slowklahoma’s first ever release is a testament to the bands songwriting prowess and talent for crafting emotionally resonant indie pop and an indication of more amazing things to come.
From the opening notes, the listener is greeted with an in the pocket drum groove and a gentle guitar riff, setting the stage for Slowklahoma’s introspective and poetic lyrics. The title alone suggests a sense of wasting time in a period of stagnation, a theme that permeates the song. The vocals, delicate and vulnerable, continue this inactive narrative with lyrics about wasting time standing by. Meanwhile, dueling male / female vocals tie these feelings of a motionless lifestyles with togethernesses.
Slowklahoma’s sound is a delicate fusion of folk, rock, and indie music, characterized by intricate arrangements, poetic lyrics, and tender vocals. The guitar work, characterized by shimmering tones and melodic riffs, contributes to the overall warmth and immediacy of their music. The drums provide a solid foundation, exhibiting a precision that complements the jangly guitars and melodic vocals with an approach that favors subtleness over flamboyance, contributing to the overall cohesion of Slowklahoma’s music. The bassline, a pulsating undercurrent, adds a sense of depth to the sonic landscape, anchoring the composition with subtle yet essential vibrations.
As the song progresses and nears it’s end, it builds into a crescendo of emotion, reaching its peak with an obvious ode to to the late great Andy Kaufman with lyrics and rhythms lifted from REM’s Man on the Moon. It’s done fantastic and infectious and makes “Dog Days” feel even more familiar and clever then it already did at the start.