"Slowride has released their sophomore record, Building a Building, and the band has transitioned into a powerful, grinding punk rock outfit, convincingly reestablishing and reinventing their personal sound. The outcome is stunningly successful. Building A Building is full of powerful rock songs that convey a sense of passion and pleasure through a very dirty and gritty sound. Many may compare this to early Foo Fighters, but even Dave Grohl couldn't portray the same affection and conviction that Slowride have on this album. Building A Building stands alone, without any song overpowering another, exemplifying unification and harmony. For Slowride, the sophomore slump was merely a time of fine-tuning. With their polished and extremely powerful approach, Slowride has made a wonderfully enjoyable record." - Tiny Mix Tapes

"I can't get over what a gem Building A Building is. Slowride is rockin' one minute, introspective and sincere the next, honest and true throughout. This is heavy without being heavy handed, with lyrics and melodies from the heart, inventive hooks and tons of killer riffs. The tone of the songs mesh with the lyrical message perfectly, featuring a raw edge that fits the realness of the intensity in the words and the waves of carefully crushed notes. Every track is a treasure. Building A Building is one of my favorite discoveries of the year." - Tangerine

"Building A Building from Slowride is a blend of basic rock 'n' roll, but it is precisely that simplicity which makes it so enjoyable. The record goes a step beyond the band's past work, which emphasized strong guitars and bass, and blends in a few softer, acoustic songs like Solitary Man and Quitting Again. Dan Phillips has always penned introspective songs, but time seems to have given him a degree of relativity and thoughtfulness that youth sometimes eschews. Still, Phillips and company haven't lost their rebellious streak. Solid rockers like New And Entitled and Smoke Cigarettes find Slowride building a head of steam. Building A Building will not disappoint old - or new - Slowride fans." - Amplifier

"Building A Building is my favorite Deep Elm release since the Low Level Owl albums. Slowride rock out, never copying anyone or borrowing any particular sound, but I do hear flashes of Husker Du, And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Samiam and The Pixies. There are a few acoustic tracks that have an alt-country sound that actually adds to the garage rock on the rest of the record. It's almost as if Slowride toss it back and forth. Building A Building closes with nothing short of a Beatles meets Sonic Youth swirling frenzy, which seems appropriate. A definite for old fans, and one that should make a slew of new ones." - Feast Of Hate And Fear

"Taking a nostalgic rifle through the dusty caverns of rock's more melodic side, Slowride's attraction is their easy familiarity. Opting to kick their heels up through a hook-laden hybrid of punk accessibility and the considered, more-distanced throws of British indie, Building A Building catches this Texan trio playfully re-hashing a stack of middling musical tricks. From sounding like a rag tag Green Day to a sun-scorched, easy-on-the-melancholy Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, they bump and tag their way through one infectiously melodic slice of rock to another." - Logo

"Building A Building is a barnstormer of a record that flat out rocks. Slowride kick it in a straight ahead style reminiscent of the first two Foo Fighters albums, with no frills yet still powerful fist pumping guitar riffage tempered by the melodic vocal stylings of singer Dan Phillips. With Building A Building this Texas trio have masterfully bottled the art of the one-two punch: rock 'em in the gut with some primal roar, then hook 'em cross the jaw with melody aplenty to keep the birds whistling while they spin around your head. Raw, determined and soulful, Building A Building is a rare treat and is well worth the price of admission." - Ear Pollution

"Throughout Building A Building, Slowride manage to display incredible tightness, whether it be racing along at top speed through a song like Panther 2 or a more intimate and stripped down Sacrifice v. Apathy. The latter song is one of several on this disc that reveal a new approach for the Texas natives. Staying true to their southern roots, the song is country influenced featuring melancholy acoustic and steel guitars, but it hardly seems out of place in juxtaposition with spunky punk songs. Slowride have slipped under many people's radars, but with any luck they will catch a buzz which will help them reach the next level. It will be attention well deserved, as they manage to make punk rock that is poppy, but not cliched, energetic and never boring." - Indieworkshop

"Building A Building from Slowride combines punk attitude, garage-rock power riffs, hard-rock mentality and a depth of songwriting that is missing in many bands of the ilk. A sort of anti-punk attitude to the acoustic opener sets the pace and leads right into the garage-rock intensity of Smoke Cigarettes. It sounds a little bewildering, but the trio pulls off both styles admirably. The hard-rock approach to Panther 1 would make a fine addition to a Foo Fighters or Local H album, and Panther 4 ups the speed and intensity even further. Building A Building is original and fresh, and that's a welcome thing. There's a variety of styles here, and at Slowride's best moments, they all blend perfectly into an intense dose of rock. Yet I still get the sense that there is more in store for this band, that the musicians are still developing their sound and great things are in their future." - Delusions Of Adequacy

"Building A Building from Slowride is highly-crafted power pop rock, turbocharged with a heavy dose of garage attitude. The tempos are just short of breakneck, the riffs fuzzy and the hooks sharp but sweet. There is a dirty feel to this album, which is where the sterling production comes in. Slowride writes great songs, but they could have had the life produced out of them. Instead, the grittyness scrubbed into the songs gives them a cool, authentic sound. Building A Building is a whole lot of fun, with songs that have a bit more heft to them than might be expected. This album is yet another example of how good Slowride is at making good music." - Aiding & Abetting

"Slowride play mostly mid-tempo rock and roll on Building A Building that is infectious and has a country flair and a grungy attitude. It's solid rock that will absorb you by the second track. And while the music really hooks you, the vocals are equally strong, thrust forth over each track with precision and an anxious energy that adds to the overall feel." - Impact Press

"Slowride is everything but their name. They play emotional rock on Building A Building that could easily be heard from anyone's garage, except it's actually good enough to make you not call the cops! Lyrically, it's right on track and will have you re-reading the lyrics over and over. There are a few acoustic songs that really liven it up and make the plugged-in songs have that much more energy." - Smother

"Building A Building shows the progression that Slowride took from being a punk band a-la Jawbreaker to being a punk rock band a-la Slowride. The new twelve songs show how the band matured, developing their sound, music and lyrics. The tunes are gritty, raw and honest punk rock, but still very catchy and hooky like their previous full-length. Lyrically, Philips is still able to create very peculiar and unique atmospheres on such verses as "I think it's time / I hate all my friends / Yes, I'm talking about you / I think you shold move on..." The record does not just have a rocking punk side, it has also soft moments of acoustic guitars such as the sad "Solitarly Man". Their songs, whether playful and sarcastic or heartfelt and honest, are delivered with a unique aesthetic that is fresh, full of energy and powerful. Building A Building is an inspired, awesome punk rock album, the finest punk rock album I heard this year." - TruePunk

"On Slowride's forthcoming album, Building A Building, the Texas trio have turned up the ROCK. Favoring a powerful, crunchy indie rock sound, this is a whip smart, tight-as-hell indie-rock onslaught that sounds not unlike the Foo Fighters' debut album meets Centro-matic. That's an easy-to-understand reference, considering that the album was produced by in-demand producer and always amazing Matt Pence. I took Building A Building on a recent road trip and cranked it and rocked out mercilessly. Building A Building is a tight album that will not let you down and will not leave you without punching you hard in the gut." - Mundane Sounds

"Building A Building is overflowing with grimy creativity that might not be 'Slowride songs' to a purist, but they are in fact a great change. The guitars sound excellent and heavy, then back off and allow the drums and bass to play. It's a sound that has evolved and isn't bludgeoning. Songs like Smoke Cigarettes are just rough enough, with guitars see-sawing all over the place. It's catchy but it ain't too sweet. Panther 1 sounds like one of the fast, near punk songs Pavement would trot out from time to time, while New And Entitled builds its hook slowly, a tribute to making your audience wait for it, not reaching for the chorus too early. Slowride remembers the 'rock' in 'we're gonna f__ing rock you,' and their new sound is from the garage and from the gut." - Culture Bunker

"I really liked Slowride's debut full-length, as well as the split with their labelmates Red Animal War...but I never liked them more than on Building A Building. On their sophomore release, Slowride have added a garage-y side to their catchy and melodic punk rock. Bass, drums and even the guitars are used as power tools that plow on in an unrelentless fashion to create a straight road on which the vocal harmonies simply roll by, but not without leaving a lasting impression on anyone they meet along the way. These songs are awesome, so quit your job, jump in the car and just start driving, because this is one hell of a soundtrack for a road trip!" - Munchkin Music

"For just three members, Dallas-based Slowride sure creates a hard-to-ignore racket. On their newest full-length effort, Building A Building, the trio made some changes to their playbook. Slowride chose to spread its wings, adding distinctive acoustical numbers to its playlist, breaking up the identifying aggressive rock it's known for. Longtime Slowride fans need not be concerned...there's still plenty of huge, strutting hooks and a resounding rhythm section to masticate. Phillips' ax stays front and center on the built-up productions, but never to the point of drowning out his singing. Phillips exercises his pipes in swaggering style on the mid-tempo stomper "Panther 1." That song's counterpart, "Panther 2," is where Slowride really kicks out the jams. Visneau and Marchant serve as a catalyst for Phillips to unleash a monstrous up-and-down riff, the most memorable one on the disc. Sharp licks and steady measures define "Track 13," while the band layers discordant skronk a la Sonic Youth on the closing track, "Just Do It." Of the unplugged runs, "Sacrifice V. Apathy" is a dark tale tinged with lonesome steel guitar while banjo is used on "Quitting Again," a lament filled with bitter introspection. With the production changes and balance of electric/acoustic and faster/slower tempos, Slowride has come through with a mature effort without severing ties with its high-volume maximum rock 'n' roll roots." - Journal Review

"This Dallas-based trio writes heavy rock songs that would make Dave Grohl jealous. Slowride is hands-down one of the best rock bands that you haven't heard of. Dan Phillips is an aggressive singer that is passionate about his music. His voice does remind me a little of Grohl but I also see resemblance to Superdrag. The music is catchy with hooks all over the place, even with the heaviness that pours off of every track. Check out the fun aggressiveness of "Panther 4". It trucks along like a house on fire, doesn't let up to let you breath until the 1:39 song is over. Slowride then let up with a bit of a slower track called "New and Entitled". Slowride is one of the bands that I'm sure Deep Elm has high hopes for. It's music that escapes the stereotype of Deep Elm bands as being emo. Check out Building a Building as soon as you can. You will love it." - MusicEmissions

"This is Slowride: Loud, catchy, clever, heartfelt and rockin'. But there's a new side to the band on Building A Building. It's more straight-ahead rock n' roll, and captures Slowride in its truest - and best - form. The live energy, the raw power is channeled into a dozen songs that tell stories through phrases and scenes, as well as through personal narratives. Slowride have followed their hearts and did something they wanted, not what was expected of them. In throwing aside the expectations, they found themselves and a record that finds them at their best." - Amp

"I was excited to hear Slowride's new record "Building A Building" because I liked the songs on their debut but I had also heard that the band's sound had progressed. While there's still the unmistakable vocal delivery of Dan Phillips, as well as plenty of melodic and rocking parts, there are also things that I wouldn't have expected. For example, the slight Social Distortion influence on tracks like Panther 4, or the three acoustic songs on the record. My personal favorite is New And Entitled. All in all, I think that everyone who liked Slowride in the past will enjoy the new songs as well." - Voice Of Reason

Solitary Man only to return from an empty heaven. going where he's been never learn a lesson. in a sense i'm asking the question. is this it for this lonely hand. strung across this land. strung out on the lamb. solitary man. ramble in to town on a stud with no name. welcomed here by none and my feelings the same Smoke Cigarettes spend the night alone inside a sunday suit. kill a living friend over an upscale look. it's hard to give a hand when i've got only two. don't look now or you'll see me under. with a dirty face i try to smile my teeth. it's hard to make it work cause i can barely breathe. i think it's there but know a little less than i think. and you came through with a likely number. we take what we want. it don't matter where it's from. were two of a kind. and i love you in my mind Panther 1 i went to the doctor to get my new prescription. all he had to offer were these words on my condition. easy come easy go was his message and the worst one he could send me. all i know is i'm gone and i guess i better keep on pretending. side step my rep is a mutation. undo the regrets of a useless limitation. three birds over head tell me everything is just fine. three threes on the radio clock say i'm on time. i live endlessly it seems and all i want is you. i went to the corner so i could feel my intuition. ignore the warnings so i could feed my new suspicion. and i'm losing steam Panther 4 underwater dreaming i can breathe i am alive under the sea. i wonder how real this could be. sailing out to sea until we sink but i won't die not in this dream. unless i fill my lungs with outside. breathe until i capsize. and maybe i just might die in the end. how bout a little action babe. you're never gonna get through to me. because i'm building up a barrier reef. oh you said livin' is easy she said but she's never had a gun to her head. and i'm never gonna put one in her hand. killed by a disease that's in my head i hope i sleep right through my death. cause if i wake i might not make it. my last breath might get taken and i don't want to be there in the end New And Entitled home. where we don't and we did what we want anyway. suspect all along in the wake of an old lonely soul on the run. someday always someday (saudades) all we are is what we did anyway. mundane on a love day in the hold of a long undisclosed narrow lane. and we don't need care. on a loan i owe. and we don't need kin. i'm alone and i know it's a dumb idea. but it's all we are. were dancin' with cancer. and i don't need an againster just yet. this is doomsday. you gotta believe me. and it's all that we are is a hope that we don't let 'em down. highway apologizin' where you been is just a turn the other way anyday. and i don't need a romancer just yet Sacrifice Vs. Apathy well there once was a man who knew himself. at least that's what he thought. and he killed his own sons just to show. how much he really cared. and he took all the things out of his soul. and he showed them all to me. and it wouldn't look like very much. at least that's what we'd think. i don't care. and he slit his own wrists just to see. how much he'd really bleed. as it poured down his arms he raised his head. and the words came beautifully Panther 2 you don't know what you're doing. from out of the distance comes another mistake. and if we're lucky it just might take. you've got to get yourself out. i think i'm ready to tell it but i don't know what to tell. and i really wanted to kill it but i don't know how to kill. and all i wanted was nothing there at all. from somewhere something is writing on the wall. out Building A Building bored tired wasted. i gotta gotta job. tongue tied wrestless. these ain't coming off. painted a picture said that i wish you were here. you're one in a million but that old feelings still here. young dumb running. with a wide eyed front. can't stop raping. these ain't coming off Track 13 and the kids are wrong as they sing along to songs. from sea to sea and the words they breathe are nodding off. as i survive the suicide bomber i'll hide my life and sail behind the sun. when the thrill is gone we will move along to another one. and when that one leaves we'll be on our knees and on and on Will And Testament send me to the cemetery. with a note upon my back. and a picture of my mother wearing black. i'm in a box in a hole in the ground. bring me to my new salvation. lay me down your river bed. words and letters mean a different thing when you're dead. and tonight that's on my head. sit me in the waiting room. so i can be looked in the eye. will there be a place for me there when i die. cause what goes around comes around Quitting Again i was born from a robbers bag and it was clear my lonesome path. on a string of unrealized dreams but i punch on in spite of everything. you came down with a hollow grace and made it clear what was my place. now i lack the gentle breath i knew and i die here for only you. kiss me the way you used to do but don't watch me fail the things i give to you. broken head with an evil eye and a strand of good that i love to hide. i've been here for a million years and this is how i kill my tears. put it down in the droppers neck and i let you guess which way i went Just Do It i think it's time. i hate all my friends. yes i'm talking about you. i think i should move on. i'm so sorry baby. i didn't mean to ruin your life. i know that i made you a promise. but it won't be the first time. i own a bullet. i know how to use it. i shot it off once before. i think i made a mistake. i wish i could stand up and turn the blood around