Slothrust’s Parallel Timeline is an ode to the weird and wonderful.

Kicking the record off with “Cranium”, which falls flat as a supercharged intro, but picks up with “Once More For The Ocean” with surfy guitar and abundant snare. An unexpected feature on the rock n’ roll ripper “The Next Curse” with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm. The track shines as a palette cleanser placed to shake up the monotonous, flat melodies of previous songs.

“On this record, I wanted to be even more precise with the guitar parts as opposed to creating a guitar palette, because a lot of artists, us included, have made songs that are so chock-full of guitar that distinct parts becomes a blur,” says Wellbaum.

The guitar notes on each song bring another element to the recording, like members of a family. From finger picking to shredding, the dynamic between guitar and orchestral components beams through. The standout track “Strange Astrology” holds poetic verses like, “Michael Jackson never spoke to me / said the Taurus to the Leo / all his hits are in a major key / and my rising sign is Scorpio” brings the catchiest track of the record. Cooing melody is a theme on Parallel Timeline, even though “Strange Astrology” is the only love song on the record.

“‘Strange Astrology’ is one of the only proper love songs I have ever written,” Wellbaum said. “It’s an honest exploration of what it means to love someone who is intrinsically different than you. It’s about hoping that those juxtaposing qualities and instincts encourage meaningful growth instead of chaos, but knowing that inevitably it will always be a bit of both. That is part of the fun of being in love with someone whose way of being starkly contrasts yours. I have always been fascinated by those differences and all the adventures and new perspectives they offer.”

Following the halfway mark of “Strange Astrology” is “Waiting” which brings cooing hooks and rock guitar to a harmonious place of comfort in Parallel Timeline. Wellbaum’s vocals in “King Arthur’s Seat” and “Parallel Timeline” show the strength of her relationship with orchestral instruments as well the softness the latter part of the record exudes. While some of the record seems monotonous or lays flat while the track brings up certain elements, it’s a stew of comforting sounds and the songs which hold their own are a far cry from boring.