Sluka – ‘Cautionary Yell’ [Album Review]

Modern prog rock outfit Sluka recently dropped their 14th long player, Cautionary Yell, featuring stellar bassist Anna Eppnik. The album was produced by Grammy winner Alan Sanderson, who has worked with The Rolling Stones, Fiona Apple, Elliot Smith, and Fleetwood Mac.

Discussing the album, Christopher Sluka says, “The lyrical inspiration is ‘desperately trying to be optimistic in the face of impending doom.’ The album title is about hoping to remain calm while facing the horrors of the world.”

Musicians appearing on Cautionary Yell include the aforementioned Eppnik, Michael Bedard (drums), Christopher Sluka (vocals, guitar, synths, composer), Nico Hueso (violin, viola), and Erdis Maxhelaku (cello).

Cautionary Yell comprises eleven tracks. Subjectively speaking, highlights encompass “When the Genie’s Out.” The intro summons up suggestions of Keith Richards’ guitar on “Gimme Shelter.” A percolating, syncopated rhythm infuses the tune with a rambling, almost galloping-like pulse as Sluka’s vocals imbue the lyrics with unnerving tones.

Arguably the best song on the album, “Sunset Screamer” thrums with infectious rock energy underlined by hints of burlesque-like savours on the bridge. There’s a cool, Latin sway to “My Own Reasons,” along with the elusive sensation of surf-rock hidden inside the harmonic flow.

Vaguely reminiscent of Queen, the operatic piquancy of “Science” ebbs and rises on layers of synths topped by gang-like harmonies and Sluka’s soaring, drama-laced vocals.

Sluka, photo courtesy of Sluka

The Celtic, bagpipe intro of “Gone Our Treasures” rolls into an emotional, Irish ditty riding heavy percussion. Simultaneously nostalgic and celebratory, Sluka’s vocals offer a kind of determined resolve that gives way to tenderness as the song concludes.

The closing track, “That Moment,” conveys a melancholy, yearning mood, as if taking stock of the state of the world and pondering its eventual fate. Sluka’s phrasing and drifting vocals add to the musing atmosphere of the song.

Finely melodic and innovatively unique at the same time, Cautionary Yell reveals the hypnotic essence of Sluka’s prog-rock sound.

Cautionary Yell Track Listing:

1. When The Genie’s Out
2. Sunset Screamer
3. My Own Reasons
4. Wave Goodbye and Fly Away
5. Science
6. Saving It All
7. As It Flows
8. I Am… Okay
9. I’d Like to Know
10. Gone Our Treasures
11. That Moment

Run Time: 34:54
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Record Label: Steel Flower Music