Within the grassroots circuit of London and beyond, the release of the Slow Dance Records curated compilation at the start of each year is more often than not an indicator of what's to come. Set on uncovering the best new lo-fi, experimental and alternative music from London and beyond, the compilation not only represents a label with its ear constantly to the ground, but also predicts new avenues, and key artists from various scenes and spaces outside the industry.
Celebrated by the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music ("Compilation of the Month") The Quietus, actor Cillian Murphy, The Line of Best Fit, So Young Magazine, Hard of Hearing and Still Listening, alumni of the compilation have gone on to sign and release with a plethora of labels, from Ninja Tune, 4AD and Rough Trade. Notably, it’s also given the first outings to bands and solo projects from black midi to Black Country, New Road; from Otta, Goat Girl and Martha Skye Murphy to Drug Store Romeos, Sorry, Folly Group and Fat Dog.
True to this growing reputation, Slow Dance ‘24 is as diverse, as lovingly curated, and as on the pulse as any of its predecessors. Among many tantalising debut outings, highlights from this year’s edition include the return of 80s underground icon, Princess Demeny, who presents here her first new material in over 30 years. There’s also the long awaited new music from indie-folk quintet pencil, a debut release from British Actress Esme Creed-Miles, and side-projects from hotly tipped duo most things, namely, Xmal and Birdfeeder.
Rolling out a single each weekday until the compilation’s full release on 13th February, leading the line is the debut release from London-based emergent electronic trio Pearl2. Out today (20th Jan), and featuring members of Hank and Moreish Idols, ‘Watered Down’ is an intoxicating weave of acid house and psychedelic-pop, set against the low-light haze of cigarette smoke, club lights and 90s nostalgia.
Pearl2 are a London-based electronic trio whose sound fuses hypnotic club energy with an off-kilter pop edge. Fronted by Lola Stephen (Hank), whose commanding vocals cut through Dylan Jones’ lithe propulsive bass and Tom Kellett’s (Mauv/Moreish Idols) restless, textured electronics, the group’s music is equal parts raw, rhythmic, and intoxicating. Drawing on influences like Primal Scream, Portishead, Aphex Twin, Lena Platonos, ESG, Boards Of Canada, Massive Attack, Pearl2 craft tracks steeped in leftfield tradition.
Their live debut at RIP Magic’s Mascara Bar residency in October, marked them as one to watch—a band capable of turning darkened rooms into kinetic spaces charged with energy and intrigue. Both cerebral and physical, Pearl2’s music feels at home in big smoky clubs or on the fringes of underground dance floors.
