Released in April 2025, Slow to Take a Hint — the new album by Vernam Cipher — is now streaming on all major services and available for download on Bandcamp. The Chicago-area songwriter squeezes a lifetime of wry observation into these 12 original tunes, which cross straight-on rock ‘n’ roll and retro-pop with folk ballads, saloon songs, spirituals and other influences. (Read more in the EPK.)

Noteworthy local contributors include Connie Cipher (vocals), Ed Breckenfeld (drums) and Bill Kavanagh (bass), alongside cameos by the Washington DC area’s Dave Van Allen (pedal steel) and Scott McKnight (acoustic guitar, bass, percussion). One track, “True Lover’s Knot,” boasts award-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland. Vernam his ownself produced the recordings, which were mastered by Brian Lucey (Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Black Keys, and many more).