Writing about music during a pandemic is tricky—I am wondering whether it should be objective: an attempt at approaching the song with pre-quarantined ears and a less-disillusioned psyche; or perhaps reviewed at face-value, taking account for our newfound social contexts. How much does the strength of a song rely upon the environment in which it is listened to? Am I simply asking all of these questions because I have nothing to do besides spin out on my apartment couch, staring down my dirty dishes wistful over long-past gigs and missed connections in Chicago basements? What does it matter anyway? This definitely doesn’t sound like a traditional music review—but, then again, these aren’t traditional times.

Philosophical dredging aside, no matter how one approaches Thompson Springs’ newest single “Slightly Sexy”—forthcoming on their new album ​Undertones, ​out July 31s​ t​—it is a marked success. When I first received a link to the Chicago-based band’s track in the midst of a quarantine-induced depressive stupor, I was simultaneously invigorated and discouraged: invigorated in that I could immediately envision how much crowds would adore the live version of the twangy-yet-cool song within the vein of The Black Keys and Ty Segall, and discouraged in that I couldn’t experience it for the foreseeable future. It immediately rendered me nostalgic; a product of the songs warm, gritty engineering and the band’s alluring drive that guarantees good times to be had whenever heard. However, nostalgic yearning and social isolation aside, this single excels even by “typical” standards.

Produced by Wilco’s Pat Sansone, “Slightly Sexy” was written by lead vocalist Matt Smith and features Jacob Bicknase on drums and Andy Goitia on bass. Recorded in Nashville,

Sansone brings the city’ signature southern-sounding tones to the mix while still respecting it’s fundamental midwestern-indie-rock-roots. While one could also mention how Kurt Vile collaborator Rob Laakso also worked on the record, Thompson Springs doesn’t need the tangential fame to earn their credibility: without any name drops or special features, it is undeniable this band has the talent, skill, and drive to excel not just in our Chicago community, but also the music industry at large. But don’t just take my word for it, listen to “Slightly Sexy,” out now, and I’ll be sure to see you at their next show.

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