Sloan: Still Rocking After All These Years

Sloan: 4 members, 3 decades, one unique Canadian Band

For more than 30 years, the Canadian rock group Sloan has steadily made their mark with appealing songs and meaningful words. What sets them apart is that all four band members contribute to the songwriting and singing, which has helped them gain a dedicated fanbase. Their latest, the fourteenth album,  called “Based on the Best Seller”, is due out in September.

To understand Sloan's lasting appeal, let's go back to where it all began. The band formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1991, bringing together Jay Ferguson, Chris Murphy, Patrick Pentland, and Andrew Scott. They quickly made a name for themselves with their fresh sound, blending loud guitars with pop melodies. Their early single, "Underwhelmed," became a hit, and their first full album, Smeared, released in 1992, showed a band ready to take on the world.

A key part of Sloan's story is their independence. After some early experiences with a major record label that didn't quite understand their vision, they doubled down on their own company, Murderecords. This allowed them to release albums like 1996's One Chord to Another, which was a big success in Canada and won them a Juno Award for Best Alternative Album. This freedom meant they could always make the music they wanted to, rather than chasing trends.

A unique aspect of Sloan is their shared leadership; no one member dominates. Jay, Chris, Patrick, and Andrew each contribute their distinct songwriting, which leads to albums featuring a diverse mix of sounds and styles, from energetic rock to more introspective pop. This equal collaboration helps their music stay innovative and makes each album feel cohesive, even with the different creative input.

The band's upcoming album, titled *Based on the Best Seller*, maintains their established style. Its lead single, "Live Forever," perfectly showcases their signature sound, featuring excellent vocal harmonies, a catchy melody, and a touch of thoughtful humor. Bassist Chris Murphy even playfully remarked that the song explores weighty topics, like the true desirability of eternal life. Guitarist Jay Ferguson commented that while creating a fourteenth album isn't difficult, coming up with a fresh core theme can be. However, he feels that the members' vocal teamwork helps to unify their work, and that strong sense of working together is evident throughout this new album.

After more than thirty years, Sloan remains a band that makes music on their own terms. They've toured extensively, released a steady stream of albums, and earned a reputation for being one of Canada's most consistent and respected rock acts. Based on the Best Seller promises to be another strong chapter in their ongoing story, a testament to their enduring friendship and their knack for crafting songs that stick with you. If you're looking for well-made rock music with heart and intelligence, Sloan's new album is definitely worth a listen.

Sources:

•          Exclaim!

•          Canadian Music Spotlight

•          Stereogum

•          Wikipedia

•          Tape Op

•          The Canadian Encyclopedia

•          Last.fm

•          Apple Music