A Life Worth Living

Slaney Bay

EP Review

Written by Luke Knowles

Back in the summer of 2021 I was sent a song by a band embarking on their musical debut. The song was Talking About You and the band was west London trio Slaney Bay. The moment the atmospheric opening notes of that track hit my ears I new, deep down that this was a band that has all the makings of leaving a mark on the music scene. With their blend of Dreamscaped Indie Pop and up beat driving riffs all the elements were there and it only seem to get better and better as they released track after track. Eventually it was time for them to push out into deeper waters and thus was born their debut EP A Life Worth Living. To say I was excited upon its release to hear how the band have evolved in the year or more since I first started listening would be understating things…

Its just fantastic. Each track is pumped with the broad soundscape that has been the backbone of this band from the beginning. Each note on the guitar, each thud of the drums, and each passionately delivered lyric is etched with a vulnerable honesty that comes from exposing your own experiences within your music. From its euphoric opener I Could Love You Better to the unbridled hope for the future of closing track What If? These childhood friends have committed to music a coming of age tale for their own generation. Dealing with heartache, the fear of embarking down a new path and even just trying to learn to live outside of your own inner critic. Each member of the band have put everything they have into these songs and it shines through like a sunrise after a storm.

Musically the band have pushed their sound beyond a typical indie pop mould and have harnessed that potential I felt upon listening to their first release. By blending fuzzed guitars, waving synths and a delicate echo on the beautiful tones of lead vocalist Caitlin Whitley, Slaney Bay have truly grasped a sound all their own. For example. My favourite song from the EP is Take Your Time. It is a beautiful song about understanding and support but for me its musical composition is what stands out. From its reversed synth effect on its opening the bodyslam of the guitar and bass combination curtsy of William Nicola-Thompson and Joel Martin, this song showcases everything great about this band and their music. Obviously I love the rest of the tracks to but feel this one is the best example of how much their sound has evolved and grown into something they can be proud of.

Overall Slaney Bay have delivered a debut EP that will set them up for big things as we move into next year. Though they have delivered something outstanding, I get the feeling that this is merely the tip of the iceberg and that there is a lot more bubbling under the surface. With such an understanding of their own sound and an embracing of writing personal and touching songs I can only guess at where their journey will go next. Where ever it goes though I’m excited to join the ride.

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Listen to the EP