Slow Pulp is a lo-fi dream-punk band from Madison, Wisconsin. Their sound is spacey and distorted, yet very tight in its execution. There are aspects of indie rock, shoegaze, and even a bit of soul influence in some of the more tender moments. The guitar tone is an absolutely vital part of the band's aesthetic, and it's the factor that draws them most into the dream-rock zone. Songs can easily break through from hazy indie rock into punk, but the smoky vibe remains entwined. A couple of times the bass, drums, and rhythm guitar would lock into a groove that reminded me of the rhythm section parts on jazz standards. On top of the instruments is a voice that's both subdued and commanding delivering lyrics that are straightforward but still contain some elements of dream logic. The songs ultimately become a sad/happy hybrid; it's music that reflects the state of holding both of those feelings at the same time and trying to understand what that means. Though Slow Pulp is from the Midwest, they've totally transcended the solipsistic indie-folk sound that's been brewing here for a decade. They don't sound like they belong to any certain place or time, but just exist as they are, wherever they are.