Dennis: When browsing through new releases in my overflowing inbox I decided to go for Slow Crush. It is released on Church Road Records, a sympathetic new label and mentioned shoegaze, dream pop and indie rock. I may not have the deepest of knowledge on this genre, but enough to give you an honest opinion. To my surprise I was not alone in my interest in this Belgian band. Instead of fighting over who get's to review Hush, we opted for the peaceful solution: we are reviewing this together. So here we are. I am playing this baby over and over today and I must say it brings me in a very peaceful and relaxed mood. How does it effect you, Piro?
Piro: Haha, indeed we went for the win-win option in the end. I have to say, I resonate with that statement more than a fair deal. Hush's a very soothing experience indeed. I knew what I was in for when I heard a new Slow Crush is happening, having been acquainted with them sometime early in 2019, via a recommendation from a friend. I remember listening to Aurora on repeat many many times. I'm also a sucker for anything that's drenched in delay in reverb, because of the dreamy vibes and what not, so of course I had no doubt that the new record would be good. At first, some of my expectations were seemingly subverted, but after a few spins, I have to say, what I got was exactly what I had to get from a Slow Crush record.
Dennis: I went in there without too much expectations. I only listened to the single ("Hush") and was sold immediately. I must say the record is slightly more dynamic than I expected beforehand. I was a bit surprised for example by the slightly quicker songs like "Swoon". It is a nice treat to get these snippets of slightly different vibes throughout the album. Another example of this is "Reve", which gives me the same vibe as The Gathering during their Souvenirs album; it's very trip-rocky.
Piro: I mean, I was also sold on their new offering after hearing the single too haha. Funny you should mention particularly "Swoon" as I had a very long train of thought due to it. On my first listen I was entirely torn from the set mood of the first two songs by the first like 35 seconds of "Swoon". In that very short amount of time it created a glimmer of hope that I'm going to be looking down a more experimental record with all sorts of firey artifices like that, which then bloomed and exploded. I was a little disappointed when that bit ended and the song went on with 'the established vibe'. Expectations are weird like that and so are dreams haha. But, ultimately, I am not disappointed with the record in any way, as aforementioned - quite the opposite.
I'm also quite taken with the delivery of "Reve" which really appealed to my longstanding post rock sensibilities and penchants and it was also an interesting foray for the band to dip their toes into that area.
Dennis: I totally get what you mean: the first time I listened to this record I looked up in a sort of shock when "Swoon" started. I am intrigued by how it manages to get that reaction and at the same time be a logical part of the album. It does break the spell a bit though. Perhaps that's a good thing as the album would become a bit too homogenous sounding. These sort of sidesteps on the album make it sound more interesting. I think we agree that the album would have been slightly more interesting had it coloured outside the lines a wee bit more.
How do you feel about the production of the album?
Piro: It's absolutely great. Anyone who knows me, will also know that I'm very very picky with this aspect and it can make or break an album - for me.
It's a very crisp and detailed sound, which keeps enough of the band's former self from Aurora but shows us a new side of them which feels much more refined and more clearly articulated.
I'm not a fan of rough kinds of production, which can be grainy or noisy and what not, so naturally I had nothing to object in regards to what I heard on Hush. I actually think it's very fitting too, when coupled with the compositions. This kind of approach really makes the compounding layers of lush textures all the more satisfying and rich. I just love how the bass gets more of a spotlight, compared to the previous record, as well as also compared to most other records in this niche. It has a nice touch to pop out from the background and have it make tasteful accents which are scattered about. Accents, which are very well placed - I would add.
Dennis: I can only agree with you. The production holds everything together on Hush. Those little sidesteps we talked about earlier become part of the whole due to the sound chosen and the production on the album. It sounds very balanced.
Another aspect of the album I absolutely adore is the artwork. It is relativly simple, but very strong. And fits the album like a glove. I love sitting in my chair absorbing an album and viewing the cover art (and the inlay if available). This of course only really works if the artwork is up to par. Perfectly chosen.
Do you see any downsides that should be fixed?
Piro: I can't really fault the record for anything. It does what it set out to do in an immaculate way. I mean, it's nothing groundbreaking, or something that will shift tides in this or adjacent genres, but I doubt that's the kind of scope the band would (at least for now) hold in mind.
I think it's a perfect album to doze out of reality and drift away somewhere, basking in billowing clouds with nothing else around.
I also think this is a great record for those trying to get into this style of music as it's very accessible from a lot of points of view and definitely a must listen for fans of this style.
Dennis: That hits the nail on its head: it is a great record, but does not bring anything new. I hope for more exploring those little sidesteps on new music. A bit more experiment make Slow Crush stand out more. I will not hold it against them that it is not (yet?) that one record that changes the rules of the game. What they do, they do very well. I would say this deserves 80 points. What do you say?
Piro: I think that's fair. It just goes very well as you take it from top to bottom. There's this like laminar quality to its flow which is actually not something I witness often. It has plenty of engagement and by extension - relistenability value. Due in no small part to the fact that there's a pinch of experimentation on the record. It's also reassuring, because ultimately, it shows us that the band has taken a step forward with their craft.
