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Written by Alex Wilking Wednesday, 28 May 2014 09:16

With Sling Shot to Heaven, the band has embraced that melancholy and crafted a truly genuine experience.

 

 

Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s have always come off to me as a “rainy day” band. The music is chill enough to leave me blankly staring out my window at some bleak weather. But this isn’t a bad thing—I think it’s a huge strength for the band. With Sling Shot to Heaven, the band has embraced that melancholy and crafted a truly genuine experience.

The single most notable thing about this album involves its production. The entire album was recorded on 2” tape, making for some great analog crackle, fizz, and pop (see “When You’re Gone”). Not only that, but the album was fully produced and released by the band, setting it against the modern music industry like conflicting magnets. This sets the stage for all the CD’s perks.

There isn’t a large amount of production that goes into these recordings. That comes as no surprise since, you know, tape recording. With limited accompaniment and even fewer options, the songs are simple in nature. The album is basically all acoustic as a result, yet this shines light on the maturing Margot has undergone with this release.

There aren’t any gimmicks here, just a record capable of encapsulating everything the band does best. Tracks are heartfelt and mirror the vibe the band seemingly strives for. It’s cold, it’s honest, and it will probably crush that cheery mood of yours into the ground. It was all of those things that drew me to Margot in the first place. Don’t let this Sling Shot’s irregular approach scare you away from that beautiful dose of the blues. A- | Alex Wilking

Standout tracks: Lazy, Bleary-eye-d Blue, Flying Saucer Blues

RIYL: Bright Eyes, City and Colour