Describing themselves as a progressive-folk-rock band, Sloth Metropolis could be forgiven for being overlooked on first glance. Hailing from Glasgow, this four piece have been making music since 2012 and deliver their first fully fledged E.P on an expecting audience.
Opener ‘Sloth of the Metropolis’ is a strange, five-minute introduction to the group that raises a few eyebrows. A combination of sonic bombardment and eclectic lyricism that feels a little like an in-joke listeners aren’t allowed to know of – it could be regarded as either a disaster of an opener or a brave choice.
Thankfully it’s the latter. It is, after all, in the prog tradition to be that little bit more quirky than your usual fare.
‘Modern Aristotle’ is the stand-out track on the E.P, a song that drips with energy and optimistic promise of this emerging band. A jolly combination of acoustic and traditional prog guitar that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Wishbone Ash album, ‘Modern Aristotle’ possesses a smiling charm that, no matter how hard you try, is infectious. Even the jungle/zoo sound interlude in the middle works in a strange, edgy type of way.
The second half of the E.P again show off Sloth Metropolis’ musicianship in a front of house, shop window fashion. ‘Wee Fib’ is a traditional riff-based rock number while ‘Big Lie’ continues the story in true progressive fashion.
Keeping a concurrent theme throughout the four tracks, the self-titled E.P is a demo tape worthy of a listen and pickup. Very rarely does a band in the prog genre adopt the digital age in quite so workable a fashion. Sloth Metropolis is a fine, shining example of how it can and should work.
@isthismusic @SlothMetropolis thanks for the kind words dudes!