Slow Bear is showing off his friendlier, energetic side.
Background
Slow Bear is the solo project of Steven Malliet. Rightfully considering himself a one-man-band, Slow Bear was his first departure from his background, playing in bands. As a return to what Malliet calls “songmanship in its purest form,” he’s creating music for its own sake and influence, outside of commercial concerns.
His debut album came out in 2015, entitled Pale Morning Fades. It was recorded at home, using old tape decks, turning out very lo-fi. Having toured through Belgium, Holland, and Germany, testing out new songs for his coming albums, Malliet has a clear vision for his next releases: Fucking Off will be a brighter, 60s influenced vibe, with Slow Bear Awakens carrying a darker, folk-ballad message. Fucking Off will be released in April of this year.
Here’s what Steven had to say about the song and video for “Fucking Off”, the title track of his second full length album:
“The song and video is faster and more energetic than “Normandy And Me”. Quick editing, speeding up images, taking snapshots of short, slapstick-like actions. The idea was that we hitchhiked from David’s (shot the video) home to a friend’s place. All in all it was only a distance of around 30 miles, but nonetheless it took us all day, arriving after dark. I guess it’s largely due to the fact that people don’t pick up hikers anymore (given the response we got from many drivers). Also because I was doing all these nonsense, goofy dances, pretending to be the Beatles making The Help film.
I think most people will be more comfortable with this video than with the previous one (here). It’s a side of me they know better and that is less confrontational. In real life, I’m always sort of upbeat and outgoing, so “Normandy And Me” wasn’t how people knew me. I kinda like the reference we make to 1990s DIY videos, which have an element of spontaneity and joyful rebellion at their core. In a way, “Fucking Off” celebrates that spontaneity, which I often find missing in music nowadays.” -Steven Malliet / Slow Bear
Thoughts
“Fucking Off” is certainly the cheery cousin of “Normandy And Me”. It’s got a great backstory, unadulterated dance numbers, and a whole lot of unhelpful strangers.
Malliet makes it difficult to not take part in his joy and adventure. Taking pause only a couple times, it’s easy to get carried away with the power of the track’s instrumental backdrop. Steven is the down-but-not-out, quirky champion of the people.
“Fucking Off” is easy to like, true to its author. No masks are being worn here — just someone appreciating the subtleties of life, as their genuine self. I wish more music could make me feel this way. There’s not a call to action, isn’t necessarily part of a larger picture, and leaves you feeling well, rather than guilted or unimpressed. A much needed energization as a 5/5.
Support
Slow Bear has their debut album, Pale Morning Fades, available for purchase on Bandcamp. To watch out for the release info on Malliet’s coming albums, you would be best served to like his Facebook page. Fucking Off comes out in April.
