Burgeoning Brighton rock band Slung have released their new single ‘Collider’, which is emblematic of vocalist Katie Oldham’s supreme storytelling prowess. Originally worked on by bassist Vlad Matveikov with Zac Jackson of fellow Brighton band El Moono, the track has a bass heavy, ominous feel as Oldham’s voice floats hypnotically over its pulsating instrumental. “I kept most of Zac’s melodies as I really like the simplicity and drawn out syllables,” she says. “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.”
‘Collider’ will feature on Slung’s debut album ‘In Ways’, which is set for release via Fat Dracula on 2nd May. They’ve also announced an extensive UK tour in May to celebrate the full length, and kicked off the year by releasing its first single, the trauma-fueled, ribcage-rattling ‘Laughter’, which Oldham says “is about a face-off that’s been a long time coming, and the difficult relationships we can have with members of our family, especially our parents. When we’re children we’re so desperate for our parents’ attention and approval that their dismissal or 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. This hurt can often develop into resentment as we age and we may even later villainise this person, wanting to fight, confront, defeat them.”
‘In Ways’ is a collaborative combustion of its members’ experiences, circumstances and accomplished musicianship. Their sonic universe – comprising Oldham’s enviable dynamic and tonal range, the power of guitarist Ali Johnson’s incendiary riffs, Matveikov’s undulating, yet grounding basslines and drummer Ravi Martin’s expert rhythmic punctuation – is a veritable musical supernova. Influences within the Slung camp are far reaching, with the band’s members referencing artists from Deftones and Baroness, to Wednesday and MJ Lenderman, to Queens of the Stone Age and even a sprinkling of Chappell Roan and Fleetwood Mac.
Initially the brainchild of Vlad, whilst he was living in Brighton, Slung were some time in the making. He tells of randomly meeting Ali at a campground in Australia in 2009, falling in love with Katie during lockdown and hearing a demo of drummer Ravi Martin’s old band in his other role running indie label Small Pond. The kernel of an idea for Slung began to germinate when Vlad’s previous band InTechnicolour disbanded, as he began to formulate new musical ideas, not knowing where they would lead him.
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’. Her inspirations range from sex workers and the power dynamics that come along with that profession (‘Class A Cherry’) to the tragic occurrences of bull fights in Spain (‘Matador’), as referenced by the album’s striking artwork.
SLUNG ON TOUR:
Tickets available here
02 May Winchester – The Railway Inn
03 May Brighton – Green Door Store
04 May Cheltenham – Frog & Fiddle
05 May Reading – Purple Turtle
09 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
06 June Alton – The Lounge Bar
SLUNG ARE:
Katie Oldham – vocals
Ali Johnson – guitar
Ravi Martin – drums
Vlad Matveikov – bass
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