Slowly Slowly’s 'Forgiving Spree' Raw and Explosive Rock Masterpiece

Ben Stewart, frontman of Melbourne-based band Slowly Slowly, had a clear vision for the group’s fifth album, 'Forgiving Spree'

“I wanted it to be a really solid rock album that had no filler on it. Everything is tightly packaged, made for the stage, and explosive.”

Drawing influence from legends like The Killers, Bruce Springsteen, and John Farnham, Stewart crafted an album rich in melody and intensity, perfectly suited for live performances. Coupled with the lyrical depth reminiscent of Bright Eyes, 'Forgiving Spree' stands as an example of the band’s evolution and maturity, marking a defining moment in their career.

The band has embark on their first international tour across the UK and Europe with Stand Atlantic, commencing on September 2024. Over the years, they have released four albums: 'Chamomile' (2016), 'St. Leonards' (2018), 'Race Car Blues' (2020), and 'Daisy Chain' (2022). Their success includes two Top 10 ARIA Chart entries, with 'Race Car Blues' peaking at #7 and 'Daisy Chain' at #5. They’ve also earned recognition from Triple J, achieving two Feature Albums, four Hottest 100 placements (such as “Jellyfish” at #57 in 2019), and four Hottest 200 placements. On the live music scene, the band has performed sold-out headline shows, graced major festivals like Good Things Festival, Splendour in the Grass, NYE On The Hill, and Groovin The Moo, and supported acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Amy Shark, and Ocean Alley.

The seeds of 'Forgiving Spree' were sown during the band’s euphoric tour for their 2022 album, 'Daisy Chain'. Those shows left a lasting impression on Stewart, serving as a sonic compass for the new album.

Split between Melbourne and Los Angeles, the recording sessions brought Stewart together with top-tier producers Courtney Ballard (5 Seconds of Summer, Waterparks) and Suzy Shinn (Panic! At The Disco, Fall Out Boy). Their collaboration birthed tracks like the dynamic “Gimme The Wrench” and the anthemic title track, with Stewart preserving the raw emotion of his demos in the final recordings.

Despite its rock-forward energy, Stewart insists the album is far from superficial.

“The idea that the songs are singalong bangers doesn’t mean they have to be frivolous lyrically, I still wanted to dig really deep.”

The album’s opening track, “Forgiving Spree”, encapsulates the record’s central theme: forgiveness as a personal tool for growth.

“People don’t often think about forgiveness as a selfish thing, but it’s such a valid tool to help move through things properly.”

Other tracks explore deeply personal moments. “Hurricane” recounts the emotional highs and lows of Stewart’s wedding day and subsequent miscarriage, a story that producer Lucky West helped him tell with care and authenticity. The album’s closer, “Born Free”, is a poignant reflection on family loss, carrying such emotional weight that Stewart believes it could be played at his funeral.

Love is also at the heart of 'Forgiving Spree'. “Love Letters” emerged from a conversation about the lost art of letter-writing, leading Stewart to reflect on how his songs serve as audio love letters to his wife. Tracks like “How Are You Mine?” and “All Time” celebrate the joy and transformative power of love, with the former describing his wife as “the alkaline to his acidity.”

The album’s emotional honesty marks a shift in Stewart’s songwriting. While earlier records leaned on self-deprecation, 'Forgiving Spree' embraces themes of growth and self-kindness. Tracks like “Meltdown Masquerade” showcase Stewart’s ability to blend humor and self-awareness, poking fun at his past tantrums with a playful, danceable edge.The celebratory breakup song “That’s That” draws on '80s pop influences, while “Gimme The Wrench” channels the determination and grit of a boxer preparing for a fight. Inspired by a scene in Good Will Hunting, the song reflects Stewart’s resolve to tackle life’s challenges head-on as he balanced a whirlwind of personal and professional milestones during the album’s creation.

The release of 'Forgiving Spree' on January 24, 2025 is just the beginning of what promises to be a monumental year for Slowly Slowly. Their ambitious schedule includes:

• December 2 – December 7, 2024: Supporting Crawlers on their UK tour.
• February 6, 2025: Headlining Party in the Paddock.
• March 2, 2025: Performing at Yours & Owls Festival.
• March 14 – March 30, 2025: Debut UK headline tour.
• April 4 – April 12, 2025: Australian headline tour.

With their recent signing to Nettwerk Music Group, Slowly Slowly are poised to expand their reach globally. The album’s themes of resilience, love, and forgiveness mirror the band’s mindset as they prepare for this next chapter.

'Forgiving Spree' captures a band at the height of their powers, combining explosive energy, heartfelt lyrics, and an unwavering determination to make their mark.