Dependence
Artist: Slow Hands
http://www.myspace.com/slowhandsmusic 
Label: unsigned
Time: 5 tracks / 16 minutes +
 
Pop, Electronica, Emo, Trip Hop… all of these elements come together in Dependence, the decidedly indie EP by Slow Hands – a group that seems to be, essentially, a vehicle for the music of Israel Anthem (and if you think that IsraelAnthem would be a great name for a group all by itself, raise your hand).
 
With help from Dan Schultz on guitar, Zach West on bass, John Thomas Price on drums and Ryan Clark on additional keys and guitar, Anthem takes center stage creating the electronically produced beats and samples, playing various keys, and - most importantly – handling the vocals. I say, ‘most importantly,’ because Anthem’s vocals and lyrics are what give this project, which otherwise sounds almost coldly electronic, its warmth. Yes, the guitar, bass and drums are in the mix, but Dependence is steeped in samples, beats and enough electric keyboard effects to put it more solidly in the electronica camp than anything else. It’s the emotional vocals and the angst-filled lyrics (alluding frequently to relationship issues) that bring the pop element into play – has anyone said ‘poptronica’ yet? If not, here you go: Dependence is poptronica. 
 
Despite the fact that this project seems to feature one man’s work at its core, the five-man group enlists the help of a couple of impressive guest-artists on two tracks. Mute Math’s Roy Mitchell-Cardenas plays bass on “Cocoon,” a song that also features strings by Jeremy Larson, while Larson also features on the album’s first track, “All the Little Ways,” adding string accents to the song – an important contribution, serving to give the music a more human face.
 
Anthem’s vocals occasionally are phrased in a way that reminds me (and it’s hard to say exactly how) of the Dupree sisters of Eisley fame. The vocals live in a fairly narrow range, but are effective none the less. Although frequently electronically altered, Anthem’s singing is the variable that brings the human element into this project. It might be interesting to hear less vocal processing and more pure vocals in the future.
 
As director of Mute Math’s award-nominated "Typical" video, Israel Anthem showcased the energy and creativity of the New Orleans-based quartet.  Slow Hands’ Dependence showcases Anthem’s personal musical vision - Dependence will get under your skin, given half a chance.
 
Bert Saraco
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