With Slowdive set to return to Australia this May, bassist Nick Chaplin has hinted that new music may be on the horizon.
He also hinted that when it comes, it could sound unlike anything the shoegaze pioneers have done before.
In a new interview with Blunt Magazine ahead of their Australian tour, Chaplin offered a quiet but intriguing update on what might follow 2023’s everything is alive—the band’s second album since reforming and fifth overall.
“Our first record back in 2017 was a natural evolution from Souvlaki,” he says. “I think everyone expected the next one to be different and go off in experimental routes. I don’t think it did.”
Chaplin explains that their decision to stick close to the classic Slowdive sound was intentional—and, in a way, necessary. “I feel it would have been disrespectful to the audience who’ve supported us all these years.”
But now, with their latest global run nearly wrapped and a new chapter looming, he hints that the band might be ready to stretch out again. “I don’t know what we’ll do next. We haven’t sat down and thought about it. If there is a next one—and hopefully there is—I can’t see it continuing in the same way. I think we’ll go in a different direction. I think we need to stretch ourselves more. That’s my opinion.”
It’s not a confirmation, but it’s close. As for a timeline, Chaplin did not give any concrete information. “After this, we’ll have a break,” he said when asked. “I’ll ride my bike, and once we’re all refreshed, we’ll have a think. Hopefully we’ll do something, and hopefully it’s next year.”
While nothing is set in stone, it’s clear that Slowdive are already looking ahead. And whatever comes next, it might not be what we expect.
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