(Listen while you read!)
The Slaps are a three member group from Chicago based out of Depaul University. Guitarist and vocalist Rand Kelly, bassist Ramsey Bell, and drummer Josh Resing released their first album “Susan’s Room” in early 2017. The band released a spicy collection of singles in 2018, the newest of which titled “Houses” which you are listening to now. (Houses is actually a revived song from 2016 which can be found on their bandcamp https://theslaps.bandcamp.com/track/houses , the evolution in sound is interesting)
The Slaps’ sound is a hidden stroke of genius. The blend of something familiar with a sound unlike any other is only achievable by a group with unique talent. There are many musical aspects that make the band so original, but one that gives them an edge is their ability to play in different tunings, and heck maybe even out of tune sometimes. Anyone can play a song with four basic chords, but The Slaps have a draw-bag of some of the most unique chords I have ever heard in rock music.
At the time of this post, The Slaps have 15,056 monthly listeners on Spotify, and their most popular song, “Song for a Friend” has 215,266 listens. While the band is very fresh onto the scene, they are already making some waves. At a show I recently attended at Schubas in Chicago, the band revealed that they were working on an album that would “probably be out soon, maybe not, probably never actually”. Needless to say The Slaps are a mystery wrapped in an enigma.
(Snagged from The Slaps’ Facebook Page)
The Slaps have one hell of a live show. If you plan on being front and center, you might want to consider a helmet and some knee-pads. The Slaps are oozing with energy, and its impossible to not engage in a head bang or two. The first time I saw The Slaps was at an off the grid venue known as “The Oval Office” somewhere in Chicago. There was a “lack of supervision” one could say, and letting The Slaps run wild made for one of the most fun nights of my life.
“Susan’s Room” has everything a listener could want from an album, including some trippy skits. The collection of singles reminds you what The Slaps are all about, and even show off a softer side. It was almost impossible to choose favorites, it felt like choosing a favorite child, but here are my picks:
1: See Her
This song has all those classic Slaps elements. Those wonky Rand chords, an off-beat Josh special, and a put-you-in-a-trance baseline from none other than Ramsey. The heartfelt lyrics can put a tear in your eye, and the groove-grunge chorus makes you wanna jump off something.
2: Still Dreaming Yesterday
This is that softer side I was talking about earlier. The band traded in their electric guitars for this lullaby. This song is best enjoyed on a rainy day.
3: Mama
Mama turns it up to 11 and rips the knob off. Rand shows off his ability to craft unique lyrics once again on this track, really making you think. Is a band really a band if they don’t say “spaghetti” in at least one song?
True comparisons to The Slaps are tough, but here are some artists that I think aren’t too far off, or just make a nice pairing:
1: The Districts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HZgaiR960RFqx9d4LPraD
2: Lunar Vacation: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EEefVBNBS3ckwouEl62oB
3: Drugdealer: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0tMnuEXTeJeHbslcV8OybJ
What are you waiting for? Just go listen to The Slaps.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4nNxZ9weXMeokvs9ohcmZl
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-slaps/956317835
Unturned Tunes 