Slowpoke – at Infinity – Review

Slowpoke

at Infinity
by Scott Hefflon

In this case, do believe the hype. Slowpoke is the exception that proves the rule. Their presence on the scene is undeniable, their reputation well-earned, and their title ironic. Slowpoke is anything but a groovy lounge act, although they stretch that direction once or twice, just for fun and contrast. To say they are a powerhouse would be a literary cop-out. They’ve got the raw, brutal sound of the top-of-the-heap thrash bands, the technical competence of any ego-stroking virtuoso, and the tight, almost slick, production of “The Big Boys.” To name drop a bit, they’ve opened for White Zombie, Cliffs of Dooneen, Monster Magnet, Soundgarden, and Nuclear Assault. Slowpoke is definitely a solid live act. Their shows have the audience participation that other bands only dream about. “Back up” singers are friends from other bands who jump up onstage and assist. It’s great to watch, electric to be a part of, and inspiring to see a band want to give a great show and not just inhale attention/adoration.

Trevor (staff photographer) and I sauntered in at the end of the show at about 1 AM. (Sorry guys!) We walked into a wall of sound called “This Love.” Pantera couldn’t have done it better. The pit was stylin’ and fun. The band and the audience were riding the same wave, rising and swelling, each in response to the other. The demo on the market now is graphicly a representation of “Less is More.” But the 11 songs on the tape range from melodious hooks to note-perfect Grrr! The recording is glossy and spotlights the skills of the members, but loses a bit of their live vitality. The whole package comes highly recommend, both live and recorded. There’s rumor of a live demo to be released in the next few months. Now that I want to get my hands on!