Slung. The next big thing in UK rock bands?
That question may well turn out to be more a statement of fact for this impressive four-piece Brighton-based band, who are currently on a headline UK tour to plug their superb debut album “In Ways”, which dropped a few days ago via Fat Dracula.
Slung are: Katie Oldham – vocals, Ali Johnson – guitar, Ravi Martin – drums, and Vlad Matveikov – bass. They all contribute to the writing of the songs, and the 11 tracks on the new LP really nail their own sound in fine style.
We caught up with the band in Cheltenham for an exclusive photo shoot and some live shots when they played the all-dayer at the popular Frog & Fiddle venue, the third gig of their 14-date headline UK tour.
[The remaining nine shows of the tour are listed at the bottom of the page.]
Live, Katie and the boys have power, attitude, energy and that presence to make them stand out from the crowd – and their material packs a heck of a punch. The brand new debut album really is a cut above…
They are not afraid to dig deep into some perhaps uncomfortable topics in their song writing…
Slung’s recent single “Class A Cherry” takes inspiration from sex work and the power dynamics at play within that profession, with its “ominous, undulating bassline from Vlad Matveikov giving way to an immensely evocative vocal from Katie Oldham.”
The strings featured were composed and performed by Ukrainian group Kaska Studio String Section.
Katie says: “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.”
With shades of metal, grunge and an all-round plethora of alternative influences, “In Ways” is a breath of fresh air within the current and often conveyor belt tirade of mediocre and samey new releases .
Sadly many UK bands and artists are seemingly making music for the big prize, rather than for the love of it. Take a listen to Slung and you will know that making music is their heartbeat…
The four members’ influences are a broad church, such as Deftones and Baroness, Wednesday and MJ Lenderman, Queens of the Stone Age and even Chappell Roan and Fleetwood Mac.
You can get a teasing taste of the album, and the flavours of these “ones to watch” via the three super videos in this feature: “Class A Cherry”, “Limassol” and “Thinking About It.” The album tracks “Collider” and “Laughter” are worth seeking out for a listen too.
Slung: Our hot tip for a UK band most likely to do big things in the future….
- Remaining UK tour dates:
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
06 June Alton – The Lounge Bar
Exclusive photos by Fred van Leeuwen
Words by Steve Best
