Slung - In Ways (2025)

In Ways is the debut album from Brighton-based band Slung, showcasing a dynamic fusion of alternative rock, post-hardcore, shoegaze, and stoner rock influences. The album opens with "Laughter," a track characterized by mathy riffs and emotionally charged lyrics addressing familial tensions. Throughout the record, vocalist Katie Oldham delivers a range of performances, from the authoritative belt in "Class A Cherry" to the introspective vulnerability in "Heavy Duty" and "Falling Down." The band's sound is marked by a blend of heavy, sludge-infused basslines, as heard in "Collider," and more melodic, Americana-tinged elements, exemplified by the slide guitar in "Falling Down." Critics have praised In Ways for its cohesive yet varied composition, noting its ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes with both power and subtlety. The album's exploration of themes such as identity, trauma, and self-worth resona...