About a month ago, Slow Joy (Esteban Flores) released a deluxe version of his latest EP, which was first released in May. It’s titled A Joy Even Slower and features two new tracks, a cover, and three reimagined songs. Just when I think he can’t do any more, he gets even better! Slow Joy is an artist that I’ve been able to witness amazing growth from since I first discovered him, and it’s been such a cool journey to watch.

The first track off the deluxe LP is titled “Mugshot,” and it’s so good. The guitar, the sound, the mix, his vocals — all paired together and carefully crafted. As if I didn’t already know by now how good he is at this. The line “I’m not the type that gets to dream” rings through so hard. Similarly to the song’s title, which also contains a negative connotation, it just kind of enhances how life feels so hopeless at times. Mugshots are taken after one has committed a crime, and most of the time, if you have a record, life becomes a struggle. Not that I can speak on behalf of anyone or understand what it’s like, I can only imagine the feelings of despair one might experience after getting a mugshot and losing hope or dreams because your life then becomes defined by that one choice — a choice that one might not have even had any control over. The line “They won’t bleed for me” continues to emphasize the emotions connected to the title and remind us, unfortunately, criminals don’t often get much empathy.

On the other hand, for someone who might only feel trapped in a state of mind, sometimes dreams can become lost when reality doesn’t often leave room for big ambitions. Reality hits like a wave, and more often than not, many choose stability over their dreams in today’s society because it’s so hard.

Slow Joy has this ability to create hauntingly beautiful, sad lyrics and pairs them so well with each and every aspect of the song — from the guitar strums to every drum beat. He is an artist that does storytelling amazingly. Whether you relate to it or it just hits your emotions, his distinct voice has such a power on each word.

The second new track is titled “Closest Thing to Heaven,” which is also such a good song. This might even be my new favorite one by him. “Gruesome” is still number one for me right now, but I love the softness in vocals contrasted with the louder production in this one.

I’m not going to spoil any of the other new features in this deluxe release, so that just means you need to check it out for yourself. He is currently on tour until November 15 with Inoha, and then will open for The Academy Is… on a few dates in December. Act fast and secure those tickets! He brings a phenomenal show every time, and you won’t want to miss his rise to fame.

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