Album Review: Slightly Stoopid’s “Meanwhile…Back at the Lab”

Article by Wendy Podmenik Darugar

Slightly Stoopid returned to their own “lab”, their personal recording studio, to create their 8^th album (“Meanwhile…Back at the Lab”) recently released in June 2015. The ability to retain all creative control throughout the recording process allowed the band to evolve on their own terms while still retaining their original reggae/funk/punk fusion sound.

Touring almost non-stop during their twenty year existence, this album was recorded between tour dates and in a few of the songs, there are lyrical references to their lifestyle and the influence frequent touring has on their personal relationships and the band members’ philosophy towards life’s ups and downs.

“Meanwhile…Back at the Lab” features 14 tracks, and several of them are nearly purely reggae inspired, to include, “ This Version”, “Hold it Down”, and “Guns in Paradise”, among others, and they are true to the original fun, take-it-easy, sound that fans of Slightly Stoopid have grown to know and love.“The Prophet” strikes strong as an anthem of the band’s observations of their current lifestyle and the trials it has, with a growing maturity. “I never thought too much on wealth- to let me keep it for myself, but while the world’s been turning upside-down, it’s hard to talk about.” “Fuck You” is an absolute departure from the rest of the album and a stand out track, purely punk. “”Rolling Stone”, “Call Me Crazy” and “What Your Friends Say” all reference the difficulties touring has on intimate relationships, and are written with an almost apologetic longing and explanation of the life they have chosen. Rolling Stone: “We are gonna do it one more time- be just fine- I’ll see you on down the line”, Call Me Crazy: “While heaven only knows-it’s hard enough to live without you”. While the band maintains its’ thankfulness for the mellowness of Mary Jane and the relaxed island lifestyle, this eighth album is showing a depth, thoughtfulness, and growth that only time and experience can provide.

Slightly Stoopid is currently on their fall tour with the following dates:

November 12- The National- Richmond, VA

November 13- The NorVa- Norfolk, VA

November 14- The NorVa- Norfolk, VA

December 4- The Observatory- San Diego, CA

December 5- Belly Up- Solana Beach, CA

December 31- The Warfield, CA