The Slip

This kinetic indie rock trio hit their stride thanks to their relentless touring and an obsession for fusing organic instrumentation with idiosyncratic sound ideas. They have also successfully embedded experimental recording techniques into classic pop-structured songwriting to create something that sounds vaguely futuristic, without falling into any science fiction-sounding kitsch. The Slip stretch the power trio sound to the fullest extent, blending familiar soundscapes of guitars, bass, drums and vocals with adventurous arrangements of distorted synth patches, old dulcimers, cuica, vintage tape recorders, tube xylophone, Wurlitzer organs, steel drums and even the recorded rhythms of rusty ball bearings. While many bands thrive off of live performances and lack the ability to deliver studio albums that appeal to home listeners, this young group from New England has shown they can adapt to the confines of living room demos and the endless possibilities of professional studios, as evidenced by several quality releases.