Chicago’s DIY trio The Slaps—featuring guitarist Rand Kelly, bassist Ramsey Bell, and drummer Josh Resing—are back with their latest single, “Fool,” a raw and sprawling preview of their forthcoming album Mudglimmer, arriving November 8th. Rooted in themes of drug abuse and the chaotic flow of misinformation in today’s media landscape, “Fool” is both urgent and expansive, capturing the band’s signature blend of off-the-cuff energy and lyrical depth. Demoed alongside Dexter Webb, a close friend and collaborator of Indigo de Souza, the track soars with unpolished harmonies and organic instrumentation, giving it a refreshing, untamed feel.
The band explains that “Fool” is about “the flattening of innocence versus ignorance,” with its opening line inspired by Howard Finster’s quote, “The worst kind of fool is a fool who doesn’t know he’s a fool when he is fooled.” It’s a fitting introduction to the larger themes running through Mudglimmer, a record that reflects the band’s creative perseverance amid personal and professional adversity.
Mudglimmer finds The Slaps refining their eclectic style while staying true to their experimental roots. The album follows a tumultuous period marked by loss, canceled tours, and existential reflection. Instead of folding, the band doubled down on their artistic identity, channeling their struggles into music that is both idiosyncratic and deeply expressive. The result is a thrilling mix of improvisational chaos and stripped-down folk—a synthesis that evokes everything from Slint’s tense atmospheres to Waxahatchee’s narrative charm, and from Tortoise’s groove-based experimentation to the grunge-pop minimalism of Sebadoh.
The band’s journey toward Mudglimmer began at DePaul University, where they recorded their 2017 debut Susan’s Roomon Garageband at Kelly’s parents’ house. Early EPs A and B expanded their sonic palette, earning them a devoted local following and opportunities to tour the Midwest. However, the COVID pandemic upended their plans, prompting a move to Lexington, KY to reduce costs while touring. In 2022, they released Tomato Tree, though more challenges followed, including personal losses and the cancellation of a major tour.
Rather than retreat, The Slaps leaned into improvisation, recording the fully spontaneous Pathless at Chicago’s Experimental Sound Studio, a hub of the city’s free jazz scene. Around the same time, they crafted This is My First Day At Drawing, a reflective collection shaped by traditional folk and country songwriting. These diverse influences converge on Mudglimmer, which feels like both a culmination and a new beginning—an album that’s deeply rooted in their DIY ethos while embracing new sonic territory.
With Mudglimmer, The Slaps have emerged from the shadows of uncertainty, delivering a sound that’s raw, unpredictable, and unapologetically their own. They’ll be hitting the road this fall in support of the album, bringing their distinct blend of improvisation and storytelling to audiences across the country. “Fool” offers just a glimpse of the dynamic ride ahead—an exhilarating testament to a band that has chosen to press on, not for anyone else, but for the sake of their own expression.
