Great Time - "80z Slo Jam"
Don’t you love when a song title leads you astray just a little bit? It’s always satisfying when you get a bit of what you’re expecting, but are also taken for a wild, unexpected ride. Philadelphia’s Great Time do just that with “80z Slo Jam,” the lead single from their new EP, Sounds Like ____ [Vol 2], as it's certainly a sultry and eclectic jam, but it definitely isn’t as slow as you’d think. With a pounding, brisk electronic beat and a swirling mixture of futuristic-sounding synths and modulated, looping vocals, the trio manages to create their own exhilarating brand of danceable electro-pop. Frontperson Jill Ryan’s voice is intoxicating and quite lush, as at times her vocal tracks are stacked in a way that allows them to interact with each other, particularly, immediately after the song’s brief, but gritty climax. It’s a song that definitely sees Great Time achieving their stated goal of pushing stylistic boundaries, as they oscillate from more subdued and soulful moments in the verses to more stimulating and hyper grooves in the choruses.
Sounds Like ____ [Vol 2] is filled with bangers and has the feeling of a band unrestrained, and lyrically, “80z Slo Jam” is a microcosm of the EP’s larger themes, which represents the band’s rejection of music industry norms and attempts from certain forces to get them to rein in their sound. Ryan shared: “The idea behind this Sounds Like series of EPs is simple: We want to make what we want to make. We're inspired by tons of different styles and sounds, and we feel most genuine when we're creating music without any limitations or boundaries. The title is a response to the critiques we received on our first album. Critics have suggested that we should pick a lane or a genre, and Sounds Like is our way of defying that while staying true to ourselves.”
Today, we’re excited to premiere the video for “80z Slow Jam,” which sees the band providing a fierce critique of the music industry at large. It opens with the trio dressed up in formal business attire in what appears to be an attempt to impress those “big music labels.” However, things change as the song hits that aforementioned gritty breakdown, as once Ryan yells “stop,” Great Time blows it all to pieces and lets loose.
Stream the video below!
Great Time is headed on tour this October with several dates scheduled along the East Coast, including one here in Brooklyn at C’mon Everybody on October 22nd. In addition to touring with Great Time this fall, Ryan will spend several dates in October on the road with Cassandra Jenkins and St. Vincent, including at Pitchfork Festival and a show at Radio City Music Hall on October 12th. For more information and to purchase tickets, check out the band’s website.
You can purchase Sounds Like ____ [Vol 2] via Bandcamp. The EP is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Great Time by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.
