Inspired singer-songwriter-performer Langhorne Slim has released The Spirit Moves, out now. The twelve songs on his newest release explore themes that include transition, growth, new beginnings, and most importantly finding strength in vulnerability. Langhorne, known and loved for his raucous and spirited live performances, digs as deep as ever lyrically on The Spirit Moves, offering a more refined yet emotional side of his artistry.
2014 marked a year of major life changes for Langhorne Slim, which is what permeates The Spirit Moves. First off, the self-described born-to-be-in-motion rambler put down roots in Nashville, TN. As a single adult for the first time in years, Langhorne was drawn to the city’s rich sense of community, and artistic camaraderie. The Spirit Moves also marks the first album in his career that was written and recorded completely sober, another important change in 2014. Though not meant to be taken as literally as its title, the song “Changes” is an intimate look at a soul being reformed. Standout track “Airplane” touches on overcoming difficulties and finding hope during a dark time. While The Spirit Moves is his most introspective offering to date, the album is also rife with buoyant signature Langhorne Slim melodies like the danceable “Strangers” as well as the joyous title track.
Langhorne recorded The Spirit Moves at Andrija Tokic’s (Alabama Shakes) Bomb Shelter studio in Nashville, a major move considering his previous albums had been recorded at co-producer Kenny Siegal’s Old Soul Studios in New York. Langhorne is joined by his dedicated band “of brothers”, The Law: drummer Malachi DeLorenzo, bassist Jeff Ratner, and keys and banjo player David Moore.
Through the years, Langhorne Slim & The Law have built a loyal fanbase and has received high praise from numerous media outlets, including Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, Paste Magazine and the New York Daily News who wrote that “hoarse throated Slim plays roughhewn American rock with guts”. He has also performed on Conan and The Late Show with David Letterman.
The Spirit Moves is a raw and relatable album about transition, growth and life and one that should appeal to anyone who’s lived a little. Brutal honesty, passionate, soulful vocals, and inspired rock’n’roll, that’s Langhorne Slim.