Slodown releases new full-length record

Born in Singapore and now based in Brooklyn, Slodown has spent the last decade making an impact with his alternative pop sound while winning over fans around the world and clocking millions of spins of his music online. Blending alternative pop with R&B textures and subtle rap stylings, he’s delivered an expansive catalogue built on both individual creativity and collaborative output. Since introducing his sound with the debut single “Khaled” in 2016, Slodown has continued to develop through a series of well-received releases while working alongside artists like Jasmine Sokko, Yllis, Tzekin, 9m88, Bohan Phoenix, Grabba Ranks, Synead, Linying, Dru Chen and others for collaborative releases along the way.

Slodown’s ability to create music that feels at once personal, inviting and relatable has seen him go from strength to strength over the years. His songs often form the overlap between genres, borrowing elements from different musical styles to craft something that’s entirely his own. That versatility has become one of the most important pillars of his work, allowing him to explore complex emotions with a sound that feels equally accessible and thoroughly original.

Now, Slodown returns with his sophomore album titled SINCE WE LAST SPOKE, a release that stands as his most intimate and emotionally open work thus far. Across ten-tracks, the album plays out as a sonic collage assembled from grief, heartbreak, memory and the fragile moments of beauty that make life worth holding onto. Penned across a particularly turbulent two-year period, the record rises from experiences that profoundly shaped its creator.

During that time, Slodown faced the suicide of a friend, the terminal cancer diagnosis of another and the gradual disintegration of a romantic relationship. These events form the emotional backdrop of the album, giving it a poignant context that runs through every aspect of the music. Despite the heaviness of its subject matter however, SINCE WE LAST SPOKE also examines the ways people continue moving forward in the face of uncertainty and pain.

Opened by “HUSH,” Slodown links up with Sweet Treats on a transportive track that builds from the soft flicker of airy synth tones towards a blend of smooth vocal leads and mesmeric instrumental textures. Developing with the gritty rustle of drums and twang of guitars capped by emotive vocal performance, it’s a stunning slice of immersive alternative pop brimming with delicate melodies and wholly absorbing atmosphere. “KNOTS” follows with the hazy flutter of distant vocalisations before Slodown’s expressive leads enter above the stab of pulsing basslines and laid back percussion, crafting an experimental R&B outing packed full of twists and turns.

Tracks like “POISON” showcase his knack for stitching wider pop appeal through a slick arrangement of bouncy beats and woozy instrumentation. On “MAIN STREET,” featuring Granata, tender vocal lines layer up before shifting with commanding rapped delivery backed with sweeping instrumental elements, serving up an engrossing alternative hip hop outing that maintains impact even in the absence of drums.

Other highlights on the record include tracks like “Real Enough” which brings catchy vocal leads, the rattle of shuffling percussion and intricate instrumental tones to present an engaging jam that’s memorable and highly unique from start to finish. “GRAND STREET,” this time featuring W. Y. Huang, brings a mellow rhythmic march as infectious vocal leads hover above popping bass grooves and dreamy instrumentation, bending between moments of soothing melodic flourishes and steady, hypnotic energy.

“I GET IT NOW” arrives with a blend of soft key tones and drifting bass textures as processed vocal elements shimmer above, progressing into a stripped back outing where moving vocal lines and graceful guitar backing swirls into an arresting musical experience that’s heartfelt and angsty in equal measure. Closing the album with “HOMICIDE,” the elegant vocals of Linying gives way to the plucks of bluesy guitar work by Dru Chen who adds his own flair to deliver a stunning finale to Slodown’s incredible second record.

Listen to SINCE WE LAST SPOKE below