“Star Roving” by Slowdive

There’s always some fear when a favorite band returns after a long absence. Do they still have that spark or magic that first drew you to their music? Have they sold out, compromised, or let their talent slip? Or, just as bad, are you as a fan so imprisoned by nostalgia that you’re unable to respect and appreciate any artistic growth, but instead, just want more of the same — even if said artist wants to try something fresh after all this time?

These thoughts were rolling around inside my head while listening to “Star Roving,” the first new song from Slowdive (my favorite band) in over 20 years. For the most part, fans can breathe a sigh of relief: it’s unquestionably Slowdive at its core, from the chord progressions to Neil Halstead’s hazy vocals to the guitar notes shimmering along the song’s periphery. There’s something very ’90s about it, too — as if the band tapped into the spirit of their decade of origin, dusted it off, and dragged it into 2017.

What is new is the song’s intensity; “Star Roving” is arguably the most aggressive song in Slowdive’s catalog. There’s none of the dreamy, drifting melancholy that characterized so many of their classic songs — which does take some getting used to. Slowdive’s new album will be released later this year on Dead Oceans. In light of that, “Star Roving” is ultimately comforting proof that the band hasn’t lost their way after two decades.