Album Review: Slothrust - Parallel Timeline

Parallel Timeline is Slothrust's 5th studio album.

WORDS BY JAZMIN LEMUS

I’ll start off by saying that prior to this new Slothrust album, I never listened to the band. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, but I will say that after listening to Parallel Timeline, I will eventually listen to the rest of Slothrust’s discography. Why eventually you may ask? Because I am HOOKED on Parallel Timeline!

No matter what type of music you’re into, Parallel Timeline, is an album that will attract fans of all genres. It’s also an album that I would’ve used as study music during my college days had it been released during the time I was in school. The alternative rock outfit has delivered an album with tracks that could be part of TV and film soundtracks. And any song of theirs would be a great fit because that’s how eclectic the album is.

The album starts off with “Cranium”, an indie rock song with a hint of pop. For anyone that loves a good guitar solo, this song has one and it will be the first of several you’ll hear on this album. “Once More For The Ocean” is the second track and is one of the singles the band released prior the album being out. It’s a more upbeat song that showcases the band’s alternative rock sound. This is also a song that adult contemporary stations could spin on their stations if they wanted to!

At the beginning of this, I mentioned that songs off Parallel Timeline would be fitting for soundtracks. “Courtesy” is one of those songs. I’m thinking about the bridge in particular maybe being used in a super dramatic moment in a film, perhaps.

“The Next Curse” was released as another single and it features Lzzy Hale of Halestorm! This song is a banger. It starts off slowly, but guitars come in strong about a minute into the song. Eventually, Lzzy’s vocals kick in. The song crescendos and decrescendos and crescendos again, but with a super sick guitar solo! “The Next Curse” will get you to head bang, whether you’re at home or watching the band perform this song at a show. It’s one of THOSE songs!

“Strange Astrology” is also another single the band released. It’s a slower song, which is perfect for a solo drive, no matter what time it is, unless you’re sitting in traffic. After watching the music video, you may feel differently about it though!

Following “Strange Astrology” is another slow song titled “Waiting”. It’s a little bit upbeat with a combination of pop and alternative. If this was a single, this would be a great addition for adult contemporary stations! And this is another song on the album that delivers a guitar solo at the end.

“King Arthur’s Seat” is a simple song where Slothrust decided to include piano and it probably made a difference because I feel that it compliments Leah Wellbaum’s vocals well. Following “King Arthur’s Seat” is “A Giant Swallow”, which lyrically and musically, it reminded me of Dido the first time I heard it. If you’re a fan of Dido and you enjoy her songs with the acoustic guitar, you may agree and hear some similarities too!

“White Rabbits” is also one of the slower songs on the album, but you can still expect a guitar solo. Even though it’s a slow song, it’s one of the heaviest too (it’s up there with “The Next Curse”).

Finally, to wrap up the album is “Parallel Timeline”. It starts off on acoustic guitar and even a little folky. Later in the song, the rest of the band joins in and the music builds up. If you ever watched “Parenthood” (the 2010 series), you may agree that this song would’ve been perfect for the show’s soundtrack!

To sum it up, Parallel Timeline, is an album that will be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re a fan of pop, indie, alternative, folk, and even metal, you’re going to find a favorite song on this record. I, myself, am having a hard time picking one because it’s THAT good.

You can buy and/or stream Parallel Timeline HERE and also visit slothrust.com to check out the band’s upcoming tour dates with Manchester Orchestra and Foxing, plus some headlining dates!