Slow and low!
Manchester Folk band The Slow Show (fresh from supporting Elbow) will not be rushed into high-tempo's, thumping beats and shouting vocals; In fact if the band's sound was any more laid back then the listener would be in a permanent catatonic state, ridding the body of any unwanted adrenaline.
Musically there is a slight Country leaning to the songs, and whilst comparisons to the likes of Neil Young, Tom Waits & Bob Dylan are evident, you could also nod at the likes of Johnny Cash and more notably Micah P Hinson in the chilled out and deep vocal delivery. Opening track, God Only Knows has a shuffling beat with atmospheric strings and guitar melody. EP title track Brother starts with a haunting but mellow piano and follows on the same slow tempo which lays out a slow-burning intro. It's a well-constructed song filled with gentle drum beats that go from Floor-Tom rumble beats to Snare-Drum marches, whilst guitars duel with the piano and the tender lyrics float over it all.
Dirty Little Secret is the fastest song here that boarders on mid-tempo but through it's simple arrangement of strings and drum beat, it's brought together with the female backing vocals making it more stand out, whilst not moving away too much from the band's clearly identifiable sound. Last song Goodbye Rose is apt in the finality of the words and back to the slow tempo of the first two tracks wraps up this EP beautifully.
These four tracks are all well done. However you would need to enjoy slow paced music as for some the band can meander around with the long intro's, and laid back vocals. Personally for an album I think you would need either a couple of fast songs, or something a little different to break up these beautiful songs. They are not easily accessible which is bad for impatient listeners who may dismiss this EP without giving it a real chance; or it is good as the slow burners turn into greater songs after a number of listens. All in all it's not half bad.