The Singaporean music scene of the early to mid-2010s was largely shaped by mainstream acts like The Sam Willows and popular Mandopop artists. However, amid this landscape, a wave of exciting indie talent was quietly emerging. One of the standout acts of this period was Pleasantry, whose 2014 album Synapses made a lasting impact. Unlike the typical piano pop or traditional pop-rock that dominated the local scene, Pleasantry’s innovative sound drew inspiration from internationally acclaimed bands like Two Door Cinema Club and Wildcat! Wildcat!, offering a refreshing change to what many saw as a stagnant music scene. Their debut was not just another album release but a signal of deeper, more complex musicality waiting to be discovered.
Fast forward a decade, and the Singaporean indie scene has undergone a significant transformation. Pleasantry, now local indie favorites, return to a more vibrant and dynamic environment with their long-awaited new album, Slow Burn. True to its title, it has been over ten years since Synapses, marking the band’s evolution. This time, their music reflects not only a refined sound but also the personal growth each member has experienced, both as musicians and individuals.
Across the album’s 30-minute runtime, lead singer Samantha Teng presents a collection of introspective lyrics, delving into themes of longing, loss, and the emotional complexities of relationships. While the songs often focus on the pain of drifting apart from loved ones, they are less about physical loss and more about emotional separation. Tracks like “Waxing Gibbous” offer a sense of nostalgia, with Samantha singing, “stay still where you are, and I will be longing for old dreams.” In “Quiet,” she reflects on past moments with a former partner, lamenting, “You taught me how to swim in the deep / and ride a bicycle across the fields,” only to mourn the fact that the person is no longer there, and she can’t reach them.
Produced and mixed by Leonard Soosay at Snakeweed Studios in Singapore, the album benefits from a smooth and warm production style that complements Samantha’s vocals, which carry a comforting tone, like the evening sun casting a golden glow over Singapore’s HDBs. The sound creates a sense of calm reassurance, offering listeners solace in the midst of the album’s emotional themes.
Musically, Slow Burn is a journey that blends intricate guitar work with delicate fingerpicking and shifting time signatures. The opening track, “Currents,” sets the tone with its layered instrumentation, while “Constellation” offers a more energetic burst, with its surging tempos and driving rhythm. The track’s intensity is enough to spark a burst of energy even in the most buttoned-up professionals, adding an unexpected but welcomed twist to the album’s diverse sound.
Slow Burn showcases Pleasantry’s impressive musical range, offering a steady and glowing presence amidst the noise of 2025. The album’s instrumentation and lyrics come together to create a powerful listening experience, making it clear that the long wait for new music from the band has been well worth it.
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