Show Review: Slow Pulp Joined The Pixies at Denver’s Mission Ballroom.
This past December rock legends Pixies announced a handful of tour dates culminating in their performance at Salt Lake City’s Kilby Block Party. The news that Chicago based Slow Pulp would opening for these slew of dates was an awesome surprise. After their signing with record label ANTI- and a spring European run with Death Cab For Cutie things continue to roll hot for Slow Pulp.
Slow Pulp was to join the Pixies for all the dates this spring with the omission of the Denver show. With a surprise to the band and fans, Slow Pulp was added back to the opening slot only a few days prior to the show to fill in for Pond had to cancel their North American dates due to visa issues. HVNLY was lucky enough to catch Slow Pulp’s killer performance on May 10th at Denver’s Mission Ballroom.
On a rainy Wednesday night the Mission Ballroom was packed early by prominently middle aged rock fans eager to see the Pixies. While most people were still expecting Australian Rockers Pond to be opening the concert, they were met with the pleasant surprise of the youthful and earnest energy of Slow Pulp. The Chicago based band playing a killer set that livened the dampened energy of rain soaked concert attendees. Starting things off with ‘Idaho’, the warming sonics of Emily Massey’s voice layered with smooth acoustic guitar work and rolling riffs pierced into the crowd. Picking up the pace, the band followed with ‘At it Again’. Inviting more movement from the room with belting lyrics and distorted electric guitars.
While their set may have been a short 8 songs, each song was performed stunningly and by the time their set was over the question of “When can I see this band again?” was invoked. With the exception of the bands newest single, the ripping distorted-guitar driven ‘Cramps’ and ‘At it Again’, Slow Pulp’s setlist was smooth and calm moody contrast to the driving rock sound the Pixies were set to bring later in the night. Slow Pulp closed the set out with ‘At Home’. With the band pushing the guitar shredding on this live rendition, ending with Emily leaning over the crowd driving the lyrics “Should I try all over again” deep into the room before the band jammed out the last chords with gusto.
Slow Pulp has been spent the better part of the past few months touring with rock icons, well deservingly. With the recent signing to Anti- it is likely we will be hearing more new music from the band soon, and hopefully a tour to support. You wont want to miss this outstanding band they next time they perform in your city!
