The Slaps

The Slaps are a Chicago based indie trio whose music has gone through quite a mutation over the years, without actually changing too much of its essence. Their earlier work fits well in the '60s beach and surf context, with its lo-fi action and fascinating, scrappy songwriting. Their vocal work has moments of Beach Boys peeking through the hazy veil that gives off psychedelic vibes. From that starting point, the band's sound evolved in the span of a couple of years into a sprawling, jazzy, post-rock type style that still maintains its beach core, which is in its fully articulated display on their 2024 release Mudglimmer.  Their music continues to stay on the mellow side, with well-constructed songs, clean and sharp execution that is often driven by Rand Kelley's vibrant guitar lines, and backed by the propulsion and bouncy feel provided by bassist Ramsey Bell and drummer Josh Resing.