The Slow Readers Club – 91 Days in Isolation

What did a Manchester-based indie rock band get up to during quarantine? Find out in The Slow Readers Club’s latest release 91 Days in Isolation. Probably the most socially distanced album of the year – taking place entirely from whichever room in the house they had the energy to travel to – the tracks tackle themes of loneliness and isolation while helping their audience to overcome them. The band even used their own label, SRC Records, to produce the project. 

Reminiscent of 80s alternative music, Barricades is an energetic way to kick off the release. The catchy chorus is perfect for Aaron Starkie’s deep tone. In Everything I Own, the singer uses the opposite end of his vocal range by opening with a falsetto which shows the true versatility of his voice. This variety is reiterated by the song’s form, as the tempo drastically switches from an upbeat dance tune to a slow ballad. Its lyrics relate to the current situation of loneliness, yet the band seem to work together with their collaborative spirit 

The pace picks up for Yet Again. Just like the title states, the track explores a lot of repetition, but this only makes it stick in the listener’s head for longer. Starkie’s voice repeats “yet again”, while recurring basslines and chords follow on. It is the perfect formula for a successful single. Likewise, The Greatest Escape is a return to the signature elements of classic Slow Readers Club rather than an escape from anything, with lines providing a story, supported by a constant drumbeat. The album closes with a piano-led tune in Like I Wanted To, giving yet another look at how flexible the band truly is. 

Overall, 91 Days in Isolation offers both a cathartic diversion and an immersive experience. Everybody can distract themselves from self-isolation through this music. Listeners can be transported to other worlds where it’s still possible to meet loved ones with songs like Two Minutes Hate, but then be brought back to the reality of the virus and the ensemble’s experience of it, with fitting titles like Lost Summer. It’s shocking that the group released their previous album just under a year ago. – at this rate, nothing will slow them down, not even readers.  

Regan Harle

91 Days in Isolation is released on 23^rd October 2020. For further information or to order the album visit the website here.

Watch the video for Yet Again here: