Despite their name potentially identifying themselves as maverick detectives from a 1970s detective show, or cast members of East Enders, Slags are actually rooted in the famously gusty city of Chicago, and Valentine’s Day Eve saw the release of their latest, long-awaited release; the five-track cassette “Playing Pretend”.
Fusing Devo-esque weirdo electronica with kitsch sensibilities and an unwaveringly punk attitude, the tape marks a particular highlight of this year’s egg-punk offerings. Written entirely by The Marshmallow Man, who, you would have to assume, is the cardboard bloke on the cover of the EP, “Playing Pretend” is charming in every aspect of its existence, but it maintains some genuinely fantastic song writing at its core.
tracks 00:00 Crybaby 01:35 Playing Pretend 03:52 Belly Flop 06:32 Boogeyman 08:57 Bubble Boy
“Crawford’s remarkable creative momentum continues with the arrival of a new Slags EP; a sugar-rush of impish synths and roguish hooks with a punk backbone. Disarmingly playful without ever tipping into excess. I can’t help but smile to it.”
Slags – ‘Playing Pretend’ Released February 13th, 2026 on Boot Liquor Records.
The Fat Angel Sings 