Slow Buildings is the project of NJ-based singer-songwriter Jason Legacy. He writes the sort of immediately engaging power-pop that takes – at the longest – the first chorus to hook the listener. While Legacy’s angsty vocals are reminiscent of vintage power-poppers like Teenage Fanclub and The Replacements, the instrumental arsenal and frequent knack for hooks reminds of groups like Ozma and their anthemic synth-aided power-pop. Legacy’s sound still seems to be guitar-first, even on the synth-tinged “Swallow the Sea”, but the electronic additives are offered up in the ideal serving size throughout his new full-length, A Fresh Slice. Another highlight, “Bad Apples”, features an airy indie-pop vibe reminiscent of The Shins throughout the breezy choruses and spright piano-pop additions, though with a darker distorted chorus that reminds us of Legacy’s eclectic reach.
My favorite track off A Fresh Slice is “Swallow the Sea”, a crisp effort whose high-pitched synth-organs and jangly guitar interplay works beautifully, effectively reminding of artists like Manic Street Preachers, The Killers, and others who have proven capable of injecting anthemic alt-rock with nostalgic tendencies into a synth-laden power-pop backbone. Jason Legacy shows off a fresh sound throughout “Swallow the Sea” and other highlights throughout A Fresh Slice, which can be streamed in full below:
