Welcome Home Slow Pulp

Moon Type took the stage at Thalia Hall to kick off Slow Pulp’s second night in Chicago. Like Slow Pulp, Moon Type is also a local Chicago based band. Margaret McCarthy’s hypnotic vocals blended with Joe Suihkonen and Andrew Clinkman’s guitar, and Emerson Hunton on drums for an amazing performance. They performed songs like “Ferry” from their 2021 album Bodies of Water. When paired with McCarthy’s soft spoken lyrics, their riffs take you by surprise in the best way possible, often starting out quiet and building over time. Their music is sweet but not saccharine, and when accompanied with their distorted guitars, it creates something really special.  

Wombo is a three-piece band from Kentucky made up of Sydney Chadwick on bass guitar and vocals, Cameron Lowe on guitar, and Joel Taylor on drums. Lowe uses a unique and recognizable guitar tone that provides a wonderful contrast to Chadwick’s vocals. Particularly on tracks like “Snakey” from their 2022 album Fairy Rust, where Lowe’s distorted guitar cuts through sound of Chadwick’s bass. Their music is equally as thoughtful as it is engaging. They finished out their set with one of their most well known songs, “Dreamsickle”. Where Chadwick’s rhythmic vocals are contrasted by Lowe’s punchy guitar riffs. Wombo’s brand of indie-rock is a unique and welcome addition to the sonic landscape. 

Last year, I had the opportunity to interview Slow Pulp’s frontwoman Emily Massey to discuss their 2023 album Yard and their show at Thalia Hall. This year, Slow Pulp returned for two nights at Thalia, which Massey has referred to as “one of their favorite venues”. Though they are originally from Madison, WI, Slow Pulp is now Chicago based. The band is comprised of Massey on vocals, Alex Leeds on bass, Teddy Matthews on drums and Henry Stoehler on guitar. Accompanied by an impressive backdrop of lights, the members of Slow Pulp took the stage to preform to a crowd of eager fans. Massey has previously remarked that Chicago shows are always particularly special for the band and on Friday their families were present in the audience. Massey shared a heartfelt moment with her sister during “Yard”, a song about their relationship growing up. They also preformed fan-favorites like “Falling Apart” and “High”. Over the years Slow Pulp has continued to perfect their sound, a dreamy brand of indie rock. However, it’s also clear after their show on Friday that they’ve fully come into their own as band. Their set was cohesive, and a perfect representation of who they are. Filled with impressive guitar riffs, flashing lights, and ethereal vocals. Their music is often reflective of who they are and how they’re feeling, a point of connection for fans who relate to their lyrics. This is not only the case with their written work it also extends to things like their album art, which is often created by the band members themselves.  The pinnacle of the night happened while performing “Do You Feel It?”, a song off their 2019 EP Big Day. While the music swelled and the lights brightened, Massey extended her arms and asked the crowd one simple question, “Do You Feel It?”. To which the crowd internally answered, a resounding “yes”.