B-Side Guys

Blood might run thicker than water, but some wounds never properly heal. Slung’s debut single “Laughter” transforms this truth into a blistering examination of parental neglect, where sweet melodies mask bitter pills and heavy riffs carry the weight of unspoken rage.

The Brighton-formed quartet delivers on their promise of “90’s slacker rock nostalgia,” but there’s nothing casual about their execution. Guitarist Ali Johnson’s incendiary riffs create a perfect storm with Vlad Matveikov’s undulating basslines, while drummer Ravi Martin’s “sinister drum patterns” provide the thunderous foundation for vocalist Katie Oldham’s dynamic performance.

“This song is about a face-off that’s been a long time coming,” Oldham explains, addressing “the difficult relationships we can have with members of our family, especially our parents.” This context illuminates the track’s clever use of contrast – the almost playful repetition of “So you’re never gonna stop the laughter” takes on darker meaning when paired with imagery of blood and water.

The production demonstrates remarkable restraint in balancing these elements. While the band cites influences ranging from Deftones and Baroness to Wednesday and Fleetwood Mac, they’ve crafted something distinctly their own. The verses build tension through relatively sparse arrangements before exploding into choruses that feel like long-suppressed confrontations finally breaking free.

As the first single from their upcoming debut album ‘In Ways’ (due May 2nd via Fat Dracula), “Laughter” suggests Slung has already mastered the art of making personal pain universally resonant. The track’s exploration of childhood rejection – described by Oldham as “trying desperately to earn love or consideration from someone who isn’t capable of giving it” – finds perfect expression in music that’s both aggressive and vulnerable, much like the complicated emotions it chronicles.