Slow Learner - In Their Time They Are Magnificent

Slow Learner
In Their Time They Are Magnificent
Self-released
Grade: A-

Slow Learner’s folk-inspired indie rock conjures up images of relaxed antique grandness, the type of which sounds closer to coming from a hip southern college town than the urban jungle of Brooklyn. Further, Slow Learner is actually just one person, multi-instrumentalist Michael Napolitano, who is aided on the eleven-track record by a slew of guests and whose live band consists of Kieran Mulvaney, Ed Gorch, and Jordan Young. Plus, how isn’t Slow Learner signed to a label like Sub Pop, Matador, Merge, or a similar-minded one? All of this combines for a gorgeous surprise wrapped in a mystery. When In Their Time They Are Magnificent starts with piano, aching electronics, and Napolitano’s hoarse vocals on the epic “Retreasion,” you initially think Napolitano can’t continue the majesty on the following songs. Yet, you are pleasantly appeased with each passing number. “Martyr” scratches with a similar opening with piano and Napolitano’s vocals before the rest of the instruments come in, and the magic slowly begins in typically a slow pace. The record unfolds as such: the mellow-drenched “Ringing in the New Year” follows “Martyr;” “Holding on to Yourself” crescendos towards the end; Napolitano goes for more singer-songwriter love on “Look at your Shoes;” “White Walls” creeps in like a Constantines’ song – and thus is flush with Springsteen accents; the piano-based “We’re All Magicians” slides a bit from the rest; the slight effects on Napolitano’s vocals on “East River” reminds of a questionable 80s song; the magic returns on the organ-fueled “The Better the Lovely;” “Sleepy” is just that; and “Minister of Minstrels & Whores” closes out the record on a grand scale. The best surely are frontloaded, but taken in total, Slow Learner’s In Their Time They Are Magnificent is one of the best self-released record of the year to date.