Slowcore: Difference between revisions

The term slowcore, generally used interchangeably with sadcore, refers to a subgenre of alternative rock that developed from the downbeat melodies and slower tempos of late 1980s indie rock. Slowcore is a loose definition and does not describe a specific movement or scene. Many artists that have acquired the tag might better be classified simply as introspective singer/songwriters.

The term is most commonly used as a journalistic shorthand for music with depressing lyrical themes, slow tempos and minor-key melodies. Individual tracks range from minimal acoustic outings (e.g. Cat Power) to complex studio numbers, occasionally with pronounced elements of dissonance (e.g. American Music Club and Codeine). Earlier acts such as Galaxie 500 and Red House Painters drew on themes of isolation as found in the lyrics of bands such as The Cure and Joy Division, and singer/songwriters such as Nick Drake. Slint's ominously slow and dark songs can also be considered a prime influence.

List of artists who can be considered slowcore

Acetone American Music Club / Mark Eitzel Arab Strap Armored Frog Bedhead Best Boy Electric Bluetile Lounge Canyon Cat Power Codeine Dakota Suite Eluvium Julie Doiron Duster Geoff Farina Galaxie 500 Helvetia

Ida Idaho Lavinia Low Mazzy Star Milwaukee Scout Niblett Pedro the Lion Red House Painters / Mark Kozelek Rivulets Seam Elliott Smith Sophia Shannon Wright Bill Callahan (Smog) Thee More Shallows Timonium