slowline demo ep review - October 2006 at The Mag (http://www.the-mag.me.uk)
as seen on- http://www.the-mag.me.uk/?ArticleId=1307

rating = 7 out of 10

Slowline pride themselves on the economy of their band and the fact that they are a tight three-piece and, whilst there is a lack of extravagant extras in their Demo EP, there is a dark and murky quality throughout that may indicate there is a future for these boys.

In any 3-piece its vital for the bass to make itself known and form the basis of the tracks and this happens straight from the off. Combining the new-wave 1980s dynamics with that blistering Peter Hook nagging sensation, Slowline manage to pass the first test with flying colours.

Overall, there is a dark feeling to the tracks. Opener "The Dialogue (The Spotlight)" has a verse which brings to mind Ian Curtis (and given we've already referenced Hooky, lets just say the Joy Division theme is noticeable) although this gives way to a higher vocal, recalling Thom Yorke at times. There's a lot worse comparisons that could be made, so again there's a lot of quality surfacing here, which is maintained with the drum and bass.

Its all angular and wiry, "Switch On / Switch Off" is very Gang of Four like in its introduction and the band tends to reign in when at times they may be best suited by a more free-wheeling approach to the music and have some spontaneity, but as a four song demo, it works extremely well as a calling card.

Author - Andy R.

Recent mentions - May /June 2006

slowline is in that great literary supplement known as The Sun - in its battle of the bands competition. Go vote! Also now in the NME new bands thing at http://www.nme.com/newmusic/Slowline - go vote. multiple times if you want. Now thats modern day democracy.

The londonist referred to us as "bleep tinted scrappy brit rock" when mentioning one of our upcoming shows. We assume it was a positive reference, as it was on their list of "things to do" that weekend in London.

Got a review up on Subba Cultcha now, along with recent mentions on Indie C86's website, which the month before that - referred"switch on/switch off" - as did Spill's Online and print version of their magazine (April 2006 edition in stores), as one of the "Unsigned DIY band tracks of the month." Also found out switch on / switch off has been listed in and is now available at the top of the demo listen section of Guitar magazine

Lastly, some of this ended up with a track appearing on the SoundsXP podcast - on April 25th - ten songs on it, including The Dialogue - which appears right after primal scream, so go download it.

Also got another random link as one of the tracks of the week in March on Palebear. Allegedly we are like "watching a bloc party on television" - which i tried doing at home, and frankly it didnt quite feel the same.

A few more reviews coming up in June too, so stay tuned.

slowline - Demo EP review - May 17th 2006 at Subba Cultcha (http://www.subba-cultcha.com)
as seen on http://www.subba-cultcha.com/article.php?id=2016

With the tender discordance of Pavement fused with driving melodies - I prefer the less-song-based moments, when the guitars really howl, the drums punctuate the structure instead of doing the Indie-disco beat, and the voices sound malevolent and hidden rather than the verse and chorus, but together it works well.

author - Jeremy Chick

slowline - Demo EP review - April 23 2006
as seen on http://www.indie-mp3.co.uk/2006/04/slowline.html

I briefly mentioned London based (but a mix of UK & US personnel) Slowline in a recent digest and have now had a chance to listen to the two demos the band sent me.

On first listen I was a bit confused as the demos sounded like they were from two different bands with various musical styles fighting for supremacy. Ultimately the second demo, with the execption of Switch On/Switch Off from the first, found favour with it's 1990's indie rock influenced sound winning through. I heard quite a bit of Radiohead especially in singer Niall's vocals as well as the harder sound derived from shoegazing such as the likes of the Catherine Wheel used to make. They have also been described as sounding like Pavement and Television. So what of the second demo?

The Dialogue (The Spotlight) opens al la Ride and continues in the same vein. The spoken-ish vocals work well alongside a full on driving beat. Blindshots introduces more melody alongside the quietly sung vocals which glides seamlessly into Last Chance. Final track Afterglow is the best of the bunch building up into something of an epic. This demo is not the most original I have ever heard but it is one with more promise than most.

Author - Tom at indie c86

Slowline - Thu 14 July 2005 @ Bull and Gate
as seen on http://www.oppositiont.co.uk

Curiously engaging indie pop, simultaneously sharp and hazy.

The singer wails and croons in the middle-distance, slightly flattened off-key Bowie, pacified Tom Verlaine. Guitar builds from gentle intricacy through catchy nibbles, high and reverberating, into harsh and frantic strummery. Throughout the set, bass guitar is slowly measured out, dollops of thick honey. Drums combine a light pattering with tripping and tumbling snare and bass. Slowline keep their words close to their chests, although the line "Now your chance is gone" floats out. These sounds seem to have elements of the Stone Roses and Ride, although there's a moment that takes me back to New Order's classic "Ceremony".

I can't think of another band that harnesses the economy of the 3-piece in such a successful amalgam of the haunting and the crunchy. The thing that draws me most to this outfit are the way that the guitars and the drummer progress from one sound to the next rather than chucking it all in together. At the beginning, the tunes were way too ethereal for any to stick in your mind on one hearing, but by the end, Slowline were playing pithy and instant guitar pop songs. Slowline are the kings of understatement. Words and meanings remain impregnable while styles twist and turn, as much a textural event as a show. Soaring, drifting and diving excellence. When you come alive it’s a low jive, take the Slowline.

author RMC

as seen on http://arrow77.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 14, 2005 @ Bull and Gate

Slowline delivered another blistering set at the Bull and Gate venue in Kentish Town, London. With this pedigree, they could soon be moving next door to play at the Forum. Check them out while the tickets are easy to get.

A fusion of new wave and mid-90s indie, they deliver melody backed up by a strong rhythm section of drum and bass. The lead singer, although tentative at first with his singing, put in a good show and his playing was excellent throughout.

A strong finish got the crowd moving and the six or seven songs showcased were all well worth getting down on CD. An EP from this band is a must, if they are to push their ambitions a little further.

A forthcoming gig at the Dublin Castle promises to be another treat.

Drop us a line, let us know what you thought.

For info and bookings, email us at info@slowline.com - or go here