A few years back, watching Pkew Pkew Pkew open for Spanish Love Songs, I remember Dylan Slocum breaking a string and joking that he had to pretend to be a “rock star” for a minute before admitting he “hated himself” for it. It was funny and self-effacing – the sort of moment that defined their early era.
Here, though, he sounds happier in the shadows. The voice is still cracked and weary, but there’s a steadiness running through this EP, something more grounded. The songs themselves feel clever and cinematic, widescreen without losing their intimacy.
“Lifers Too” opens things up with a thoughtful, expansive sweep, and having The Wonder Years along for the ride adds extra emotional heft. When Slocum sings “you thought I was a lifer – I never thought I’d get this old”, it hits even harder with Dan Campbell’s warmth shadowing the line.
“Cocaine and Lexapro” follows, and Kevin Devine is the ideal companion here. The track is beautifully melancholic – the kind of clever, quietly bruised songwriting both he and Slocum excel at. Together they turn it into something almost fragile.
“Heaven Head” lifts the mood with a burst of energy and even a little bounce, and Illuminati Hotties slot into that space perfectly, sharpening its edges while keeping the looseness intact. It’s the most immediate track here.
Then “Berlin” closes things out, slower, darker, painted in electronic hues but still utterly accessible. Tiger’s Jaw help make it hypnotic rather than bleak – all shadow and glow, never losing its melodic pull.
What makes Brief Intermission in the Flattening of Time so effective is that every collaborator feels essential, chosen with real care, woven deep into the songs rather than perched on top of them. It’s ambitious and wise, a short record that lingers.
Rating: 8/10
