Sloth Metropolis can never be accused of following suit or amending their style to fit in with the rest, they produce some exceedingly original, occasionally surprising and often bizarre songs; lovingly compiled on Origins.
Sporting some wicked alchemical symbols in their artwork and with no apologies made for the use of similar themes in the music, Origins follows the life and times of a sloth in Glasgow.
I’m not a fan of using sub-genre terms to define an act, but here goes anyway… pirate funk, no… alchemical blues? Na… I don’t know; they’re not an easily defined band, nor are they, I’m afraid, going to be stirred into everyone’s cup of tea.
Sloth Metropolis is not a joke band, but they are very esoteric and unlikely to have mass-appeal – not that I can imagine they care.
Origins would be perfect for celebrating your daughters Neopaganistic Handfasting Ceremony or to relax after a Wiccan vitality ritual, but other than that, there are not a huge number of circumstances I can imagine you spinning this bad boy.
That being said, some of their songs are delightfully chirpy and enjoyable such as ‘Thrive’, which you will likely hear at your next naked ceilidh.
‘The Grove’ is a slow, melodic and exceedingly pleasing piece of music – indicative of the softer and more amicable side of the Sloths as compared to tracks like the faster, heavier opening track ‘Old World’ – which, fun fact, has a Gaelic chorus (first one to leave a translation in the comments wins a begrudging pat on the back from me).
Sloth Metropolis are not afraid to break the mould, this allows them to dip into various styles and tropes at their whim, having fun with their music and bringing to bear some unique and endearing tracks.
Each of the various instruments utilised is given sufficient time to shine and add value to the overall experience.
‘Swift Metropolis’ is the perfect example of this, inviting in numerous passages of fast, psychedelic, distorted fiddle.
Overall, Origins delivers on some hearty, unusual, technically impressive and diverse music, which is worth experiencing at least once.
Like I say, this album is not going to be to everyone’s taste but it isn’t designed to be.
Sloth Metropolis provides a healthy dose of something different and is commendable in that.
There are certain situations – not yet known to me – wherein Sloth Metropolis would go down a storm.
Photos from the Origins launch by Nadia Palma
Words: Paul Aitken
