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Photo: Alexa Viscius

Slow Pulp's latest single “Doubt” is the sonic encapsulation of an “Oh well!” moment. It lingers on a feeling even while it moves on from it. The song is propelled by a persistent drum beat and rhythmically picked guitars that fall in step with one another, spinning out with a forward motion. Simultaneously, it ripples with an angsty nostalgia that courses through the grungy chords and lightweight distortion. “Doubt” would be a seamless opening track to a coming-of-age '90s movie, one with an unlikely romance and a colorful crew of outcasts, all set in some grimy, small-town record store. 

Lead singer Emily Massey fringes her vocal delivery with a pang of heartache that masterfully contrasts her offhand nonchalance, creating a performance that is both cool and emotional. The melody dances around a central point, living in a low, cyclical pattern. But when Massey does occasionally waltz to a high tone, it really glistens in comparison, twisting the knife as she sings over a deceptively upbeat track. 

“Doubt” is the third single from Slow Pulp’s upcoming album, Yard, set to release on September 29 via ANTI-Records. It rounds out the current trifecta of sneak peeks, the first two singles being “Cramps,” an unrelenting grunge-pop anthem, and “Slugs,” a pleading love song. “Doubt” serves sunniness with a twist, infusing just the right amount of acidity into a glittering indie rock landscape. The breezy arrangement makes for an even heavier blow when the lyrics settle in, intertwining the song’s hooky-ness with Slow Pulp’s moody grit. 

Watch the "Doubt" visualizer below: