Sloan: Based On The Best Seller [Album Review]

Sloan
Based On The Best Seller
Yep Roc Records [2025]

“Four decades in, Sloan deliver hooks and harmonies that outshine bands half their age.”

Album Overview: Sloan formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the early ’90s when Chris Murphy, Jay Ferguson, Patrick Pentland, and Andrew Scott pulled together from a patchwork of local bands. Their debut Smeared (1992) put them on the map with “Underwhelmed,” while their own label, murderecords, gave them the freedom to call their own shots. The June edition of Amplified Vault spotlighted their rare longevity—four decades with the same lineup—and their commitment to sharing the songwriting spotlight equally.

Based on the Best Seller, the band’s 14th album, plays like a confident next chapter rather than a nostalgia grab. Sloan once again lean into their trademark harmony-rich pop and fuzz-driven rockers, and the result is loose, catchy, and built to stick in your head. They’re not chasing Spotify clicks or reinventing the wheel—just delivering another record for the faithful that proves they can still sound vital while celebrating everything that’s made them great.

Musical Style: The record blends tuneful pop craftsmanship with a healthy dose of guitar bite and layered harmonies. From Patrick Pentland’s glam-inspired strut on “Dream Destroyer” to the breezy, piano-led “Open Your Umbrellas,” the album glides between polished hooks and ragged edges without losing its flow. Horn flourishes and a touch of bluesy slide guitar add fresh colors to Sloan’s classic power-pop palette.

Evolution of Sound: Over the years, Sloan have moved from the fuzzed-out haze of Smeared to the sprawling double statements of Never Hear the End of It and Commonwealth. Based on the Best Seller folds those decades of exploration into a tighter, sharper set: power-pop muscle tempered by thoughtful arrangements and the seamless handoff of songwriting duties that defines their later work.

Artists with Similar Fire: Think the melodic instincts of Teenage Fanclub, the timeless power-pop sparkle of Big Star, or the multi-voiced creativity of The New Pornographers. There’s even a bit of that classic Kinks flair and the Byrds’ chiming, harmony-driven lift.

Pivotal Tracks: Chris Murphy’s “Live Forever” wraps existential musings in bright harmonies and tricky chord changes. Patrick Pentland brings early-’70s glam swing to “Dream Destroyer,” tipping his cap to Bowie and T. Rex. Andrew Scott delivers a feverish garage vibe on “No Damn Fears,” complete with drop-D riffs and Gregory Macdonald’s shimmering synth touches. Murphy revisits a polished ’90s demo for “Open Your Umbrellas,” now a breezy, piano-flecked gem with a sly Beatle-esque grin. Scott’s “Baxter,” another rescued deep cut, carries vintage Sloan charm with tight melodies and a playful lyrical twist. “Fortune Teller” revives the band’s love of brass with a trumpet cameo that recalls the classic “Everything You’ve Done Wrong,” while Jay Ferguson’s “Collect Yourself” sneaks in a blues-tinged slide guitar.

Lyrical Strength: Sloan’s writing balances wry humor with the perspective of seasoned musicians now in their fifties. Themes of aging, memory, and creative perseverance surface throughout—personal without turning insular. The lyrics reward a close listen and show that even decades in, the band can still land a clever turn of phrase.

Final Groove: Based on the Best Seller proves Sloan are still in the sweet spot—tight, tuneful, and brimming with confidence. It’s the sound of four lifers who know exactly what makes their band click and aren’t afraid to let it rip. Now well into their fourth decade, this record feels like both a well-earned victory lap and a reminder that Sloan’s story is still unfolding.

SLOAN REVIEW HISTORY
Steady (2022) / 12 (2018) / Commonwealth (2014)

SLOAN LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Yep Roc Records