Single Review: “Let’s Play Tennis” and “Tomorrow” by Moving in Slow

The indie music scene is one where only a select few artists manage to truly stand out and carve a name for themselves. Laurent Chavannes, the mastermind behind Moving in Slow (a project he launched in 2017), is one of those rare, golden talents. Based in Seattle, Chavannes has been making waves with his distinctive, lighthearted sound. His melodic vocals glide effortlessly through his earlier tracks, with standout songs like “Stay Asleep” and “Confusing” highlighting his remarkable ability to captivate new listeners and longtime fans alike.

With Moving in Slow, Chavannes has embraced a genre-blending approach, continuously pushing musical boundaries with each release. His two most recent singles, “Let’s Play Tennis” (released October 29th) and “Tomorrow” (due November 15th), showcase his ongoing evolution as an artist.

“Let’s Play Tennis” dives deeper into shoegaze territory, expanding Moving in Slow's sonic palette and drawing in a wider audience. The track also incorporates elements of pop-punk, creating a striking contrast between Chavannes' smooth, polished vocals and the edgy instrumental backdrop. The heavy guitar work adds emotional depth, underscoring Chavannes' ability to evoke powerful emotions through sound alone. Lyrically, the song is angsty and competitive, using tennis as a metaphor for a strained relationship. Chavannes’ clever lyricism ties it all together, making “Let’s Play Tennis” a layered and captivating track.

In contrast, “Tomorrow” takes a different direction, moving away from the shoegaze and pop-punk influences of “Let’s Play Tennis.” This dreamy, melodious track introduces reggae and kompa elements, complemented by a soft synth throughout. Chavannes’ usual melancholic tone is absent here; instead, “Tomorrow” radiates joy, celebrating the bliss of love and happiness. As a Haitian-American artist, Chavannes brings his cultural heritage into his music, and the reggae and kompa influences on “Tomorrow” feel deeply personal. This makes the track not only a refreshing shift in sound but also a raw and meaningful moment in Moving in Slow's artistic evolution.

Overall, Moving in Slow continues to flourish as a solo project, with Chavannes steadily honing his craft. From the moment he picked up a guitar at age 11 to performing alongside fellow artists at well-known Seattle venues, Chavannes' journey is one of growth and ambition.

To celebrate the release of “Tomorrow,” Chavannes will host a listening party and acoustic concert at Seattle’s Art Gallery, The Fishbowl, with support from Deshawn Rivers and Young Chhaylee on November 16th.