Does it get any better than starting off a new year with a brand new release from slo-anne? We think not. Except for all those other acts who have to compete with such a stunning standard being set this early on in 2026!
A different kind of animal than slo-anne’s previous efforts, cubs scout is “…a metaphor for my brother Andy moving to Chicago. Andy’s departure and the resulting loneliness, loss, grief is the central theme of the album…” per Cecily Varvitsotis (Vocals, Guitar) and the results are a denser, more determined than ever sound from the band rounded out by the aforementioned “Andy” in question (Andy Varvitsotis, Drums) and Kyle McNicholas (Human Mascot, Bad at Drawing) on Bass.
“landlord special” is like this nifty hybrid of all the great Grrrl Rawk bands of the ’80’s (Think The Bangles, The Go Go’s, etc) but put through a grimy (In a good way) ’90’s Indie Alternative blender with “american idol” opening up more and expanding the aural palette with some broad brush strokes that make for a denser, more determined affair on a song that’s both intricate yet extremely intimate.
“boy” brings the twang on a lush lament on moving on from the familiar with a kind of melodious melancholy that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers used to do so well followed by “sinking” which never seems to stop moving amidst a constant sonic swell during a song that’s easily one of those ones where you’ll find yourself just absent-mindedly movin’ and groovin’ along without even realizing it. Closing track “waiting for the day” is pointed, fierce at times and glamorously glistens as Cecily’s voice practically vibrates in tune with Andy and Kyle’s respective drumming and bass playing before the song, and latest slo-anne release, drift off into the ether.
cubs scout drops on January 15th and you can find it in the usual spaces located here or here as soon as it releases. For more from slo-anne, head to the socials found here and here.