In the course of our typical frenetic existence, a moment of relaxation, recuperation, and reflection--a little room to breath, if you will--goes a long way. Enter Slow Draw, the solo project of Mark Kitchens, who you may know as one half of doom-jazz duo Stone Machine Electric. As a vehicle for sparse and ambient soundscapes, lightly steeped in exploratory psych and the meditative drawn-out cadence of drone, Slow Draw is an apt descriptor for its own relaxed presence.
Across a series of releases, Kitchens has consistently imbued each sonic element with an unhurried purpose, which, in turn, provides a welcoming and clutter-free environment. There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place. As a result, Slow Draw creates an ideal ambience for the listener to bask, in the words of The Ripple Effect, "in a sea of serenity and quiet detachment." However, while reminiscent of a meditative soundtrack, this isn't music that simply fades into the background. Balancing a deliberately meager palette with a keen ear for intriguing composition, Slow Draw never fails to deliver a wholly engrossing listening experience.
The latest entry into the Slow Draw oeuvre builds upon the sonic template established by 2020's Quiet Joy. Although it does use minimal voice samples, the forthcoming Yellow & Gray, due May 7th of this year, is another largely instrumental EP. While maintaining a trademark minimalistic sound and presence, Kitchens leans into the influence of artists such as Beck, incorporating bright synthesizer and electric piano to a more significant degree. On this outing, he has also improved upon the recording itself by adding additional layers to the quiet fold. Serving as both the theme and the moniker, Yellow & Gray is a summation of how Kitchens visualizes this release in his mind's eye. Needless to say: if you're in the mood to unwind, this release (and Slow Draw's catalog as a whole)serves as the ideal soundtrack.
Praise for Slow Draw's prior work:
"It is simply impossible to listen to the four tracks on Quiet Joy and not be transported to a place where you are temporarily removed from yourself. A place where you are able to observe and appreciate all your deepest, darkest fears and doubts without fear or anxiety." -The Ripple Effect
"If your imagination is able to cut itself loose from its narrowed, limiting tethers, able to take flight upon wings of otherworldly-ness, then Slow Draw provides the soundtrack for your journey." -Riff Relevant
"Gallo is a moment in the sun at the end of a day with nothing on your mind--and if you can replicate that feeling and headspace, you're doing something right. For those moments when you need to unwind, Slow Draw comes recommended!" -Sleeping Village Reviews
Yellow & Gray Tracklist:
1.The Project
2.Stumble
3.Spacethunder
4.A Heavy Snack
5.Stranded
6.Sylvia
7.Turntable
Slow Draw can be found: