Coming together in 2022, Slow Degrade takes alternative rock and expands the genre into so much more by mixing in elements of shoegaze, metal, nu metal, and post hardcore to make a sound very specific to them. This Gulf Coast band makes atmospheric music, and their music videos hold the same eerie and almost haunting feel.
With the recent release of their single "lead me down," they are really coming into their sound and place in the scene as a band. And I, for one, am all for it. With their ability to transpose such a feeling and sound into their music that is both ghostly and catchy, they have the chance to be one of the huge bands in the alternative scene. The lyrics are about heartbreak and not wanting to let go, but knowing you have to, and the vocals are emotional to fit right along with the words.
The instrumentals help to create that atmospheric feeling, with the mixing of genres, down to the strumming pattern of the guitar and bass and the timing of the drums. They did an amazing job of cultivating their own vibe through sound that carries to their other songs as well, so you can be sure that this isn't a one-off sound for a single instead of the band's sound in general.
The video for "lead me down" is just as beautiful as the song itself and continues on the same haunting tone. With the video switching between the band playing in a white room with flickering lights and the singer and a girl, both dressed mainly in white, wandering around a forest, the girl leads the singer to see his house in the field burning, and no girl is around anymore. To me, this feels like symbolism for what it's like to have your safety taken away by someone who felt like home. The filming in this video is gorgeous!
If you give "lead me down" a listen and love it, then I highly recommend their other single, "Who Will Fix Me Now," released last year. The song and video are both to die for! They have an art to their music and visuals that will carry them a long way in the industry if they keep it going!
I can see this band going really far. I can't wait to hear and see what they put out next! This band has a sound and image that is deep, well-refined, and still has plenty of room to grow. I hope to see Slow Degrade get their flowers and the attention on their art that they deserve!
Meet the Band!
Vocalist - Shane Prickett
Guitarist - Andre Finley
Bassist - Cody Prickett
Drummer - Jay Long
