When the bittersweet first chord of Forgiving Spree’s opening title-track hits, it’s clear that Slowly Slowly have grown in leaps and bounds since their gloomy emo-tinged debut Chamomile in 2016. Now on their fifth album, tight-knit radio-rock is the name of the game for Ben Stewart and co. – cutting away all the fat as they strive towards a snappy nine-song collection. Somewhat of a natural but subtle step forward from 2022’s Daisy Chain – which made the Top Five in Australia – the bright, sun-kissed production is the shining star of Forgiving Spree. On Love Letters, Ben mourns the near-extinction of love letters in the digital age, celebrating their timeless value (‘She takes me everywhere / So when I’m gone I’m always there’) via a pure indie-pop chorus. Similar 201...