I really admire the trajectory that Spanish Love Songs has been on. Their 2023 full length, No Joy, felt like a subtle but thoughtful change lyrically in that they held a more weathered view on life; one that saw comfort in the uncomfortable. This was met with an infusion of 80’s influences that we hadn’t yet seen but it still felt like a natural progression. That progression continues in their new EP A Brief Intermission in the Flattening of Time.
Not only is this a perfect standalone EP that is both self-contained and cohesive, but it also features some of the most refreshing collaborations I’ve heard in a long time. The four song collection starts with a reimagined “Lifers Too,” a track from their No Joy Sessions released earlier this year. “Lifers Too”, featuring the unmistakable vocals of Dan Campbell of The Wonder Years, is a driving tune with wailing guitars and reflective lyrics; a combination we’ve grown to expect from Spanish Love Songs. The deliberate, powerful feature of Campbell is the very thing that made me fall in love with this EP. Each guest appearance feels natural, intentional, and is delivered in a way that just makes sense. I was left questioning how it took so long for all of these talented musicians to work together because each track feels like such a no brainer.
This is especially true with the second song, and my favorite one from the EP, “Cocaine & Lexapro” featuring the incredible Kevin Devine. Speaking about the collaboration with Devine, singer Dylan Slocum shared, “The reasoning was simple — our band doesn’t exist without Kevin Devine, so when he agreed to sing on a song, he got to sing on a song.” Kevin Devine is the songwriter’s songwriter and, with zero exaggeration, I truly don’t believe I’ve been this ecstatic about a partnership such as the one we are gifted on “Cocaine & Lexapro.” Another reflective tune on getting lost, both literally and figuratively, in the ocean of nostalgia and uncertainty, “Cocaine & Lexapro” acts as an updated viewpoint of Spanish Love Songs’ 2018 song “Beer & Nyquil (Hold It Together).” It is gentle yet angry, deeply human, and an instant earworm. I have this one marked as song of the year contender and I’m really not sure anything else can top it. I cannot emphasize my approval of this song enough.
The beauty of this EP, however, is that there is absolutely no bad song. Because just as “Cocaine & Lexapro” fades out with the duo’s isolated vocals, Slocum comes right back to belt out, “We’ll all end up on a hill.” The opening line of “Heavenhead,” featuring Illuminati Hotties, suggests exactly what this song is about: everything in life is fleeting – especially happiness. Yet another delightful collaboration, Slocum and Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties trade verses in a complimentary fashion – both picking at this uncomfortable but human concept of momentary joy.
Don’t let it get you down, though. Because the EP wraps with the self-described “spy movie of a love song” titled “Berlin,” featuring Tigers Jaw. This one gets moody, a little seedy, and strangely romantic. With another perfect feature on the second verse, “Berlin” is a solid bookend consisting of muddy synth and prominent bass tones. It fades out on one distorted note and immediately invites a restart to the EP.
To put it simply: I really love these songs. They are an incredible blend of the band’s angsty beginnings and matured progressions. You’ll have to wait until November 21st to hear “Lifers Too” but lucky for you, the others are out now:
The Indy Review 
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