Photo by Alex Boquist
What do Indiana Jones, Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone, Mike Jones, Mike & Ikes, Ron Paul, Ron Jeremy, “Old MacDonald,” “Spinning Wheel,” and Curb Your Enthusiasm all have in common? They’re all subject matter for Stop Light Observations.
After taking a meditative leave to the nearby Toogoodoo River, the Charleston, South Carolina four-piece (often abbreviated as SLO) is back with a collection of recordings filled with societal reflection and commentary–in an album appropriately titled Toogoodoo. With the single “Aquarius Apocalyptic,” SLO takes the reins from R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World As We Know It” to deliver their own larger-than-life, stream-of-consciousness narrative imbued with more contemporary rapid-fire pop culture references. Where R.E.M. sticks to one tone, SLO quickly contrasts acoustic guitar and violin with heavy electric distortion, post-production modulation, and frequency shifting effects. It paints a picture of ultimate chaos, building to a wailing guitar solo that soars above the madness that’s just been laid out. Buckle your seat belts.
“Aquarius Apocalyptic” appears on Toogoodoo, out August 26th.
—Jack Anderson
