The School - “Let It Slip”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Belle & Sebastian, The Shins, She & Him

A decade into their career, Welsh indie rock/pop band The School have perfected their warm and welcoming sound across three full-lengths and a smattering of EPs and singles. Classic pop forms weave their way into The School’s music, especially 60s girl group melodies and harmonies, but they add a sweet, contemporary haze over their sound to not mistake this for outright throwback pop. The result is both catchy and ultra-comfortable, charming and smooth. Rarely moving over a mid-tempo pulse, The School keep a light atmosphere in their remarkably consistent sound, but extra layers of instrumentation (seven-plus members make up the band’s touring and recording unit) ensuring it’s a full approach expertly blended together as one, cohesive unit. The School’s last record was 2015’s Wasting Away and Wondering, so hopefully a SXSW 2020 appearance means another one if quickly on the way. (Kevin McStravick)