Brighton-based Slung release debut album In Ways on Fat Dracula.
Cue a sonic supernova of a doomy rhythm section and incendiary guitars. Singer Katie Oldham‘s impressively dynamic vocals add a layer of pop to their collaborative mix. Wearing their obvious alt-rock influences on their sleeve, Katie’s vocals and lyrics give Slung the extra edge. This combination makes In Ways something special and exciting.
“Katie’s storytelling and the compelling way she brings together personal, lived experience with more abstract, conceptual ideas and characters is evident throughout ‘In Ways’.” – Ravi Martin – Drums
Opening track ‘Laughter’ showcases all of the above. Rib cage-rattling, QOTSA-like guitar riffs mix with Katie’s beautiful melodies to explode into an epic chorus. A song about familial confrontations.
“When we’re children, we’re so desperate for our parents’ attention and approval that their dismissal / rejection can feel agonising. With an emotionally absent parent, trying desperately to earn love or consideration from someone who isn’t capable of giving it can be so destructive.”
‘Class A Cherry’ is a song about sex work and the power dynamics that come along with that profession.
“This song was inspired by strippers, escorts and sex workers and the power dynamics that come with that profession. It’s told from the perspective of a woman weaponizing the male gaze that she must endure regardless, and advising others to use it for their own advantage.” – Katie Oldham
The dark and sinister track ‘Collider’ features a bass-driven psychedelic sound. It can be easily compared to the music of The Deftones or Alice in Chains.
“For the lyrics, I came up with a new narrative for this one based on the psych-infused nature of the tune. They tell the story of a cult who are ruled by a deity they refer to as the ‘ritual prophet’ and whom they converse with through the use of psychedelics.” – Katie Oldham
For ‘Thinking About It’, Katie takes on the role of an older woman on the prowl.
I imagine this as like my flamboyant alter ego. I just love the idea of this super egoic, confident, yet non-threatening lothario who believes they’re irresistible. Yet at the same time they have this charmingly endearing vulnerability. It’s such a goofy song that hopefully offers some light-hearted relief to some of the heavier vibes of the record.” – Katie Oldham
Slung was a long time in the making; the brainchild of bassist Vlad Matveikov. He started writing with fellow Brightonian vocalists Zac Jackson (El Moono), Lucy Sheehan (Projector), Annie Dorrett (CLT DRP), and Mykl Barton (Sick Joy). The band has kept bits from these collaborations on In Ways.
Zac Jackson from El Moono largely conceived the melodies for ‘Collider’. Katie adapted these melodies to fit its new cult-based narrative. For ‘Limassol’, they kept Mykl Barton’s melodies. Lucy Sheehan worked the initial stages of ‘Come Apart’. The track sounds like it could be the opening theme for a cult TV series. It reminds one of shows like Breaking Bad or True Detective. The lyrics and melodies of ‘Heavy Duty’ are the result of creativity from both Katie and CLT DRP’s Annie Dorrett.
One of Katie’s personal missions for the band relates to representation, inclusion, and sisterhood. She aims for women to be a more dominant force in music. This includes on stage, behind the scenes, or in the crowd. It’s a mission statement that resonates through much of the band’s music and its lyrical content. She says:
“My love for women knows no bounds. Everything I do, I do for the girlies, the women and the female gaze exclusively. (This extends of course to ALL women inclusively, no TERF bullshit here.) There is just an unparalleled magical feeling when you’re around liberated, electrifying women who speak with honesty and clarity and without fear. The world is built to try and make us resent, envy and destroy each other, and I LOVE those moments where we realise we are more alike than what divides us. I want to be around women all the time, to be inspired by them, to connect with them and to share and to bond and unite.”
Stream In Ways on Spotify.
Upcoming tour dates:
2 May – Winchester – The Railway Inn
3 May – Brighton – Green Door Store
4 May – Cheltenham – Frog & Fiddle
5 May – Reading – Purple Turtle
9 May – Northampton – The Garibaldi
15 May – Guildford – The Boileroom
16 May – Nottingham – JT Soar
17 May – Norwich – Voodoo Daddy’s
23 May – Bristol – Exchange (basement)
24 May – Cardiff – Paradise Garden
29 May – Tunbridge Wells – Forum (basement)
30 May – Leeds – Wharf Chambers
31 May – London – The Victoria
6 June – Alton – The Lounge Bar
30 August – Burn It Down Festival, Torquay
Find Slung on instagram | facebook | tiktok | youtube | spotify | apple music | website