As proven on their strange and beautiful new album Mudglimmer, the looming specter of artistic oblivion pushed The Slaps to lean into their idiosyncrasies: snaking rhythms, complicatedly interlocking guitar riffs, grubby yet alluring poetry, and homespun post-modern Americana sing-alongs all surge with a free-wheeling improvisatory verve informed by free jazz. It’s a stunning DIY comeback story, a doubling-down on avant-garde impulses that pays immediate dividends.
Spontaneous composition and earnest, threadbare folk collide on Mudglimmer. It’s a marvel of influential synthesis, evoking Slint’s comfortability with ominous tension (“Mudglimmer”), Tortoise’s slinky push-pull grooves (“Filthy Sex Manuevers”), Waxahatchee’s slice-of-life Americana gems (“Flip”), elliptical funk-punk a la The Minutemen (“Forward”), minimal grunge-pop in the vein of Sebadoh (“King”) and so much more.
Mudglimmer, in short, rips. Faced with existential threats, The Slaps reconfigured and reenergized — finding purpose, not in reaching for a brass ring, but in becoming fully, unashamedly, their own wonderfully confounding thing.
Manwolves
Manwolves has evolved into one of Chicago’s most compelling musical forces. The quintet—Jamie McNear (vocals), Eli Cohen (guitar), Henry Wolf (bass), Julian Freeman (drums), and Ari Garfin (keys)—has masterfully crafted a distinctive sound that seamlessly weaves together alternative, rock, hip-hop, and jazz influences.
Since their formation, Manwolves has emerged as a powerhouse, accumulating over 65 million plays across platforms. Their magnetic blend of genres has earned them coveted spots on influential editorial playlists, including Spotify’s “Low-Key” and Apple Music’s “Travis Mills Show,” while also claiming the #3 position on Spotify’s Viral Chart, and multiple tours throughout the United States.
The band’s electrifying live performances have become legendary in the Chicago music scene, with sold-out headlining shows at iconic venues including Thalia Hall, Lincoln Hall, Chop Shop, and Subterranean. They’ve had the opportunity to play alongside acts such as Ric Wilson and open for Omar Apollo and Boy Pablo. Their growing reputation has earned them spots at major festivals including SXSW and Bonnaroo.
Recent years have witnessed Manwolves embracing musical evolution, experimenting with raw, unrefined soundscapes that push the boundaries of their artistic expression. Now, the band returns with renewed energy and vision. With new music slated for Spring 2025, Manwolves continues to push the boundaries of their sound while staying true to their roots.
The strength of Manwolves lies not just in their musical prowess, but in the authentic friendship that has bound these five artists together for over a decade. This deep-rooted connection translates into their music, creating a genuine and powerful sound that continues to captivate audiences and push genre boundaries.
Strangelily
Strangelily lives and breathes eclectic music, combining a captivating mix of alternative & indie rock, shoegaze, jazz, and modern soul. Their sound is equally as capable of making you swing your hips as it is eliciting a sigh of bittersweet nostalgia.
