Paul Bunyan's Slingshot

Last updated

Paul Bunyan's Slingshot
Liquid Mike - Paul Bunyan's Slingshot.jpg
Studio album by
Liquid Mike
ReleasedFebruary 2, 2024 (2024-02-02)
Genre
Length25:35
LanguageEnglish
Label Independent [2]
Liquid Mike chronology
S/T
(2023)		Paul Bunyan's Slingshot
(2024)

"Paul Bunyan's Slingshot is an obscure sightseeing/art piece this guy in Gladstone, MI made a while ago before some teenager drunkenly cut it in half one night. I've always thought it was funny how many Midwest towns claim to be the home of Paul Bunyan or have some sort of connection to him because they're always the smallest little towns. The album is about living in a place like that."

Contents

—Liquid Mike vocalist Mike Maple on the inspiration for this album and its loose concept of Midwestern life. [3]

Paul Bunyan's Slingshot is the fifth [3] full-length studio album by American indie rock band Liquid Mike, released on February 2, 2024. [1] The album has received positive reviews from critics.

Reception

At BrooklynVegan , Andrew Sacher included this among the notable releases off the week, writing that "it seems poised to be their breakthrough because of the conditions, but it also sounds like their breakthrough, with louder, thicker production than the band’s earlier releases". [4] Jonah Krueger of Consequence of Sound called this album nearly "power pop perfection" with "upbeat tempos, loud guitars, killer melodies, and a strict three minute cap when it comes to song length" [1] and chose this as his album of the month. [5] Writing for Exclaim! , Spencer Nafekh-Blanchette rated this release a 7 out of 10, stating "that [it] further refines the band's unique sound", as "a fun and ambitious (but not too ambitious) expansion... filled with nostalgia, depravity and authentic introspection in its calmest and most effective moments". [2] The Fader listed this among the best releases of the week, where critic David Renshaw stated that it "harks back to a quieter time, a pre-social media age where kids were regularly left to their own devices as long summer days unspooled in front of them". [6]

In Paste , Matt Mitchell chose "American Caveman" as one of the best songs of the week prior to this album release, calling it "an absolutely mythical piece of rusted-out post-punk and pop song" [7] and fellow critic Grace Robins-Somerville rated this album an 8.3 out of 10 for being "a collection of songs about getting up to dumb shenanigans for no reason beyond boredom" that has "hidden, heartfelt depths"; the editors chose this as a Paste Pick and one of the best albums of the month. [8] [9] The editorial staff at Rolling Stone included Paul Bunyan's Slingshot as a "Hear This" pick and reviewer Jon Dolan called the music "short, fast, muscular songs that split the difference between Nineties pop-punk and Nineties indie-rock, tempering the petulant angst of the former with the latter’s winning resignation" that "leaves a lasting impression". [10] In Spin , Ben Salmon scored this release an A−, characterizing it as "pitch-perfect power pop" that he compares favorably to Guided by Voices. [11] Editors at Stereogum chose this for Album of the Week and critic Tom Breihan called this an album with good writing that "is longer and more expansive than past Liquid Mike records" and continued that if it "catches you on the right day, Liquid Mike might sound like they're singing about you". [12]

Prior to this album's release, Liquid Mike was considered one of the most anticipated acts of 2024. [2] In Alternative Press , Neville Hardman previewed this release as one where "they'll up the absurdity and continue to poke fun at Midwestern living" and called out "K2" as a standout track. [13] Jeff Yerger wrote a profile of the band for Stereogum in late 2023 and stated that Liquid Mike "sound like a band ready to embrace the sudden attention" and they "also sound confident as hell". [3]

Track listing

  1. "Drinking and Driving" – 2:04
  2. "K2" – 2:15
  3. "Town Ease" – 2:12
  4. "Mouse Trap" – 2:37
  5. "Drug Dealer" – 1:44
  6. "AM" – 1:08
  7. "Pacer" – 2:10
  8. "USPS" – 2:34
  9. "Small Giants" – 1:51
  10. "Works Bomb" – 1:24
  11. "American Caveman" – 2:46
  12. "-" – 0:34
  13. "Paul Bunyan's Slingshot" – 2:16

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Laugh Track</i> 2023 studio album by The National

Laugh Track is the tenth studio album from American indie rock band The National. The surprise album was released on September 18, 2023, having been announced only days prior. The album's material was mostly written and recorded alongside the band's earlier 2023 album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, with several songs being re-recorded at producer Tucker Martine's studio after honing their arrangements while on tour in 2023. Preceded by the singles, "Weird Goodbyes", "Alphabet City" and "Space Invader", the album features guest vocal appearances from Justin Vernon, Phoebe Bridgers and Rosanne Cash. Laugh Track has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Valley of Hearts Delight</i> 2023 studio album by Margo Cilker

Valley of Heart's Delight is a 2023 studio album by American country musician Margo Cilker. The album has received positive reviews from critics and investigates Cilker's childhood growing up in the Santa Clara Valley.

<i>The Whaler</i> 2023 studio album by Home Is Where

The Whaler is a 2023 studio album by American emo band Home Is Where, their first full-length release. The album has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Sun on the Square</i> 2018 studio album by The Innocence Mission

Sun on the Square is the eleventh studio album by American alternative band The Innocence Mission, released in the United States via Badman Recording Co. and in Japan by P-Vine Records on June 29, 2018, with a European release following one week later on Bella Union. The record is available for streaming via Badman's official SoundCloud channel.

<i>Dead Meat</i> 2023 studio album by The Tubs

Dead Meat is the debut studio album by British indie rock and punk rock band the Tubs, release by Trouble in Mind on 27 January 13, 2023. The album was supported by a tour of British record stores by the band.

<i>Everyones Crushed</i> 2023 studio album by Water from Your Eyes

Everyone's Crushed is a 2023 studio album by American indie pop band Water from Your Eyes. Their debut on Matador Records, the album has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Lucky for You</i> 2023 studio album by Bully

Lucky for You is the fourth studio album by American alternative rock band Bully released in 2023 by Sub Pop. The album was preceded by the single "Days Move Slow" and has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Girl with Fish</i> 2023 studio album by Feeble Little Horse

Girl with Fish is the second full-length studio album by American indie rock band Feeble Little Horse, released by Saddle Creek Records on June 9, 2023. It has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>The Greater Wings</i> 2023 studio album by Julie Byrne

The Greater Wings is the third studio album by American folk singer-songwriter Julie Byrne, released on July 7, 2023, on Ghostly International. The album focuses on grief, including the death of musical collaborator and romantic partner Eric Littmann and has received acclaim from critics.

<i>Hellmode</i> 2023 studio album by Jeff Rosenstock

Hellmode is the fifth solo studio album by American musician Jeff Rosenstock, released through Polyvinyl Record Co. on August 31, 2023. It has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Good Living Is Coming for You</i> 2023 studio album by Sweeping Promises

Good Living Is Coming for You is the second full-length album by American indie rock band Sweeping Promises, release by Feel It Records and Sub Pop on June 30, 2023. The album was supported by a world tour.

<i>The Holey Bible</i> 2023 studio album by Florry

The Holey Bible is a 2023 studio album by American alternative country band Florry.

<i>I Got Heaven</i> 2024 studio album by Mannequin Pussy

I Got Heaven is the fourth studio album by American rock band Mannequin Pussy, released on March 1, 2024, through Epitaph Records. The album eschews the band's previous focus on love songs and political themes to explore issues related to personal relationships, religious themes, and emotions related to aging, inspired by art films, a break-up, and pigs. It was helmed by long-time record producer John Congleton who approached the band to collaborate. The album was promoted with further live performances and single and music video releases. It has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>I Dont Want You Anymore</i> 2023 studio album by Cherry Glazerr

I Don't Want You Anymore is the fourth studio album by American indie rock band Cherry Glazerr, released on September 29, 2023 through Secretly Canadian.

<i>Nowhere to Go but Up</i> 2023 studio album by Guided by Voices

Nowhere to Go but Up is the thirty-ninth studio album by American indie rock band Guided by Voices, released on November 24, 2023 through their own Guided by Voices, Inc. label. It has received positive reviews from critics and was preceded by the singles "For the Home" and "The Race Is On, the King Is Dead".

<i>Spiritual Cramp</i> (album) 2023 studio album by Spiritual Cramp

Spiritual Cramp is a 2023 studio album by American punk rock band Spiritual Cramp. It has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Blue Raspberry</i> (album) 2024 studio album by Katy Kirby

Blue Raspberry is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Katy Kirby, released on January 26, 2024. The album is Kirby's first for Anti-, explores lyrical themes of romantic exploration, and has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Blu Wav</i> 2024 studio album by Grandaddy

Blu Wav is the sixth studio album by American indie rock band Grandaddy. Released on February 16, 2024, through Dangerbird Records, it marks their first album in nearly six years since Last Place, as well as their first since the death of bassist Kevin Garcia. The album's title is a portmanteau of the genres bluegrass and new wave. It has been preceded by the singles "Watercooler" and "Cabin in My Mind".

<i>Get Bleak</i> 2019 EP by Ducks Ltd.

Get Bleak is the debut extended play by Canadian indie rock duo Ducks Ltd., released in 2019. The album has received positive reviews by critics and has been reissued in an expanded edition in 2021.

<i>Forgot About Me</i> 2024 studio album by Pouty

Forgot About Me is the debut full-length studio album by American musician Pouty. It has received positive reviews from critics.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kreuger, Jonah (January 29, 2024). "Liquid Mike's New Album Paul Bunyan's Slingshot Nears Power Pop Perfection". Reviews > Album Reviews. Consequence of Sound . Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 Nafekh-Blanchette, Spencer (January 30, 2024). "Liquid Mike Rise to the Occasion with 'Paul Bunyan's Slingshot'". Exclaim! . ISSN   1207-6600 . Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Yerger, Jeff (October 23, 2023). "Liquid Mike Interview: New Album 'Paul Bunyan's Slingshot' & More". Band To Watch. Stereogum . Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  4. ↑ Sacher, Andrew. "Album Reviews: Anika Pyle, Vijay Iyer, Liquid Mike & more". Notable Releases of the Week. BrooklynVegan . Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  5. ↑ Kreuger, Jonah (March 6, 2024). "Staff Picks: Favorite Albums of February 2024". Features > Lists. Consequence of Sound . Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  6. ↑ Renshaw, David. "New Music Friday: Stream projects from TiaCorine, Kirin J Callinan, J Mascis, and more". Music / Hip-Hop. The Fader . ISSN   1533-5194 . Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  7. ↑ Mitchell, Matt (January 25, 2024). "Paste Magazine: Your Guide to the Best Music, Movies & TV Shows". Music > Lists > Best Songs. Paste . ISSN   1540-3106 . Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  8. ↑ Robins-Somerville, Grace (January 31, 2024). "Liquid Mike: Paul Bunyan's Slingshot Album Review". Music > Reviews > Liquid Mike. Paste . ISSN   1540-3106 . Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  9. ↑ "The Best Albums of February 2024". Music > Lists > Best Albums. Paste . February 28, 2024. ISSN   1540-3106 . Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  10. ↑ Dolan, Jon. "Liquid Mike's 'Paul Bunyan's Slingshot' Review". Music > Album Reviews. Rolling Stone . ISSN   0035-791X . Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  11. ↑ Salmon, Ben (March 12, 2024). "Liquid Mike Plays Pitch-Perfect Power Pop on Paul Bunyan's Slingshot". Reviews. Spin . ISSN   0886-3032 . Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  12. ↑ Breihan, Tom (January 30, 2024). "Album of the Week: Liquid Mike Paul Bunyan's Slingshot". Album of the Week. Stereogum . Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  13. ↑ Hardman, Neville; Zanes, Anna (January 24, 2024). "24 of the most exciting rising artists to watch in 2024". Music. Alternative Press . ISSN   1065-1667 . Retrieved February 1, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.