Fresh off releasing their new album, ‘No Joy’, last Friday and currently in the UK supporting Hot Mulligan, Spanish Love Songs have announced they will be returning to the UK in early 2024 for a headline tour.
The ‘No Joy in Europe’ tour will include 12 UK dates before the quintet play shows in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
On announcing the tour, Spanish Love Songs vocalist Dylan Slocum commented; “We’re thrilled to have the chance to come back over again so quickly and visit some of our favourite places on Earth. We’re ready to make up for some lost time and bring ‘No Joy’ to life on stage properly for the first time.”
January
13th Engine Rooms, Southampton
14th Waterfront Upstairs, Norwich
16th The Bodega, Nottingham
17th The Garage, Glasgow
19th Stylus, Leeds
20th Club Academy, Manchester
21st District, Liverpool
23rd Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
24th The Fleece, Bristol
26th O2 Institute 2, Birmingham
27th Electric Ballroom, London
28th Chalk, Brighton
Tickets go on sale on 7th September 2023.
Listen to ‘No Joy’ by Spanish Love Songs
What did we think of ‘No Joy’?
Spanish Love Songs – No Joy
In last week’s #NewMusicFriday round-up, I had this to say about ‘No Joy’, the new album from Spanish Love Songs.
When Spanish Love Songs released ‘Brave Faces Everyone’ in February 2020, they accidentally foresaw and captured the changing world that would follow months after; existential dread, depression, gun crime, addiction, etc. Its accompanying reimagining (‘Brave Faces, Etc’) last year allowed the LA-founded band to explore their sound. Now as they return with ‘No Joy’, this next evolution of Spanish Love Songs is one that is optimistic and melancholy.
On the surface, this sounds like a different Spanish Love Songs. Where previously anthemic punk rock was prioritised, the aforementioned ‘Brave Faces, Etc’ has opened the door that leans towards alt and indie rock, yet the “doom and gloom” lyricism remains intact. Early tracks such as ‘Haunted’ with its 80’s synth glaze are opposed by tales of “another body in the McDonald’s parking lot” and a reminder “it’ll be this bleak forever”. However, vocalist and guitarist Dylan Slocum has, to an extent, turned the corner offering a bit of hope throughout.
As a lyricist, he continues to be a vital, on-point asset to Spanish Love Songs, bringing a dark, poetic quality. On the atmospheric ‘Middle of Nine’ he serves up impactful lines like “That black hole ate all of your serotonin, and no one asks why you’re ready to go,” while remembering his late grandmother. ‘I’m Gonna Miss Everything’ recalls the anxiety of being suicidal, yet a drop of hope in still being here a “decade since”. Whereas ‘Rapture Chaser’ accepts that “The pain is everywhere” amongst a sea of dizzying keys courtesy of Meredith Van Woert.
Without a doubt, her contributions are more substantial than previous SLS releases. Throughout, she provides a glimmer of hope. Whether that’s on stirring swells on the tender ‘Exit Bags’ or the sprinkling melodies on ‘Marvel‘. While on ‘Clean Up Crew’, she combines with bassist Trevor Dietrich, and drummer Ruben Duarte to create a rigid groove, exemplifying the broader sounds ‘No Joy’ offers. Slocum and Kyle McAulay’s guitar work is lighter and less dependent on explosive punk; ‘Pendulum’ is led by twinkling acoustics, drifting chords, and a sturdy rhythm. Although some songs lack a lasting impact when alone, when threaded together they create a captivating narrative that equally keeps in line with SLS’ downbeat lyricism. However, it’s evolved past the point that everything is shit.
‘Re-Emerging Signs of the Apocalypse’ brings it all to a head. Van Woert’s synth keys dominate the verses, adding to the lyrical tension of personal and socio-political distress, segueing into a radiant, guitar-driven finale of acceptance – “we’re a part of the equation”. Thematically, it magnifies ‘No Joy’s notion that things are bad, yet Slocum can’t control or change it all and has accepted perseverance.
While ‘No Joy’ might not be an instant classic like its predecessors, it’s a welcoming return and evolution. Spanish Love Songs continue to be cohesive in their craftsmanship while confidently taking stylistic strides, adding a rich shine to their familiar lyrical tone.
