Photo Gallery: Slow Joy | 06.04.24, Duck Room at Blueberry Hill

Photo of Esteban Flores of Slow Joy by Holly Kite

w/ Inches from Glory and With Glee

A project bloomed from the depths of grief for Esteban Flores, the artist behind solo project Slow Joy. Encouraged by his therapist to use music to process the tragic loss of his mother, a unique sound was created that is most commonly described as “Southwest Emo” because of Flores’ New Mexico roots. Influenced by a mix of classic grunge, shoegaze, and rock bands (like Nirvana, The Pixies and Smashing Pumpkins), the wall of sound that he has built will envelop you into this safe room where it’s okay to feel. Personally, I find the lyrical content of Slow Joy to be the most intriguing. Flores’ lays his heart out in the most beautiful way that anyone that has had their world rocked by a tragic loss will feel it to their core.

Slow Joy’s live show is a cathartic experience and their Saint Louis debut was nothing short of powerful. It was refreshing to see a crowd so engaged, but it was easy to be as Flores and company worked the stage at the intimate Duck Room. | Holly Kite

Slow Joy was supported by local shoegaze outfit With Glee and emo/punk rock band Inches from Glory. You can catch both acts at their upcoming shows:

Inches from Glory

• Wednesday, 7/10 at Moshmellow (3359 S Jefferson Ave) with Final Boss Fight (MI) Clipboards (MI) & Wise Disguise (STL)
• Saturday, 8/17 at Duck Room at Blueberry Hill (6504 Delmar Blvd) with After Wednesday (STL), Elephant Foot (Columbia) & Blusch (STL)

With Glee Album Release Show

• Saturday, 8/24 at the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill (6504 Delmar Blvd) with Inner City Witches, Buck Fever, Echo Project (STL)