Discovering Slow Pulp: Chicago’s Indie Music Gem

Written by Robbin Llamas

If you haven’t yet fallen into the dreamy, hazy world of Slow Pulp, now’s the time. This Chicago-based indie band has mastered the art of blending soft, introspective vocals with grungy guitar riffs and an ethereal, almost nostalgic energy that makes their music feel like a warm, late-summer evening. The band—made up of vocalist/guitarist Emily Massey, guitarist Henry Stoehr, bassist Alex Leeds, and drummer Teddy Mathews—originally formed in Madison, Wisconsin, where they were just a group of friends making music for fun. Over the years, that friendship evolved into something more serious, and their sound became a fusion of shoegaze, alt-rock, and bedroom pop, wrapped in emotionally raw, beautifully layered songwriting.

Slow Pulp’s discography reflects their steady progression as a band, balancing their early shoegaze and indie rock roots with more refined songwriting and production. Their EP Fishes (2017) introduced their dreamy, guitar-driven sound, which they expanded on with Big Day (2019), featuring tracks like High and New Media, showcasing a mix of grunge and melodic indie rock influences.

Slow Pulp’s music is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Their debut album, Moveys (2020), was created during a period of intense change, with Massey dealing with chronic illness, her parents’ car accident, and, of course, the chaos of the pandemic. The result? A record that feels like a quiet exhale—soft, reflective, and full of yearning. Their follow-up, Yard (2023), is a step forward, embracing a wider sonic palette with hints of country, indie-folk, and 2000s alternative rock influences. It includes songs like Idaho, which reflects on isolation and change, and Track, a stripped-down acoustic moment that contrasts with the album’s heavier tracks. Their second album, Yard (2023), marks a shift towards a broader sonic landscape, incorporating folk and alternative rock elements. Tracks like Cramps and Slugshighlight their ability to blend raw, distorted instrumentation with introspective lyrics, while Broadview brings in softer, melodic tones. Through each release, Slow Pulp continues to develop their sound while maintaining their core identity as a collaborative and emotionally expressive band. Lyrically, they explore themes of self-doubt, growing up, and finding comfort in uncertainty. Whether you’re looking for something soothing, something cathartic, or just an indie band to fall in love with, Slow Pulp is here to soundtrack all your late-night drives and deep-thinking moments.