Slung is a brand-new band that appeared on the alt-rock music scene just a few months ago. This quartet from Brighton is slowly establishing itself on the underground stages of the UK and Europe. Metal Junkbox got invited to check out these newcomers at the Portals Festival—an experimental, alt, math, and post-rock Sunday all-dayer hosted at The Victoria in Dalston, London.
If you are craving a fusion of influence from progressive metal with a touch of stoner and groovy sounds (think Mastodon), paired with delicate and feminine vocals that tell meaningful stories—watch this space. Their vibe is casual and loose, effortlessly blending whatever inspires them to create their unique sound. It feels free, unconfined by labels, radiating beautiful slacker-rock energy from the 90s.
It’s been a busy month for these rockers, with the release of their new single, “Fire to Burn,” at the start of the month. This marks their second single, following their debut release, “Neurotic,” both of which are available on streaming platforms. These tracks only fuel the appetite for more. I was lucky enough to catch them live and get a taste of what was to come next.
Live, Slung delivers a great set, inviting the audience to dive into their lyrical tales. They flow seamlessly from the calm, soothing parts of their songs straight into distorted vocals and heavy riffs, creating a powerful contrast. I loved the turned-up bass, amplifying the heavier sides of their performance and shaking you out of those calmer moments. Their stage presence is fun, with each musician’s personality shining through. Vocalist Katie Oldham almost flirts with your ears, effortlessly moving from sweet, soothing vocals to raw, beautifully executed screams of female rage—and I’m here for it.
My favorite moment from their set was “Neurotic,” a powerful tale of what it’s like to be an overthinker, trapped in a constant state of anxiety and the self-perpetuating fear of losing control. In contrast to the lyrics, the band fully let go on stage, treating us to a fantastic showcase of their abilities—abilities that are only going to grow with time and experience.
Slung will play their final gig of the year in Nottingham on December 6th, headlining at JT Soar. Be sure to check out their socials for more details—you won’t want to miss it.