EP Review: Slur

From the swamps of Waihopai comes a four-piece that doesn’t *u*k around. Slur’s self-titled debut EP is a short, crushing 17-minute beast that lives up to every word of their “Heavy & Cathartic” description via Bandcamp. This thing hits you in the chest, drags you through the dirt, then somehow leaves you feeling lighter on the other side. It’s heavy music that actually moves something inside you and for me personally, that is my favourite kind of metal and music – without a doubt.

Hanna (bass), Lachlan (drums), Sean (guitar) and Jordan (vocals) recorded the EP at Threes and Sevens record store…a proper grassroots music store that doubles as a dope venue in Invercargill. Even better, Lachlan handled the mixing and mastering himself.

I love that it’s fully DIY. It’s got that raw, honest edge while still sounding full and intentional. No sterile over production here, just real tone and real feeling. You can clearly hear that it was recorded and performed by seasoned musos, and Lachlan’s mixing and mastering elevate it even further.

The EP kicks straight in with Teeth, churning riffs and thick low end that immediately set the tone. The bass and drums lock in tight, driving everything forward while the guitar layers swirl and build. Jordan’s vocals cut through with a mix of cleans and rawer delivery that feels genuine, like he’s actually feeling every word. Bury The Sun keeps that same energy, shifting dynamics between heavy tension and bigger, atmospheric swells that suck you in deep.

But Salt The Earth… that’s the one. My clear favourite and the track I’ve had on repeat since day one. It starts moody and atmospheric before exploding into this massive, cathartic payoff that just hits different. The guitars create these huge, swirling walls of sound. When it drops into the heavy parts it feels like the floor is falling out, then it lifts again. Proper emotional release.

A few weeks back I had the privilege of opening for these guys with my own band, and they absolutely delivered live. If anything they hit even harder in person. The energy, the tightness, the way the songs breathe on stage. It was one of those nights where you walk away properly impressed. Since then, this EP has been in heavy rotation, both on CD in the car and at home via Bandcamp. Slur has quickly become one of my favourite New Zealand bands, full stop.

At just under 17 minutes across three tracks, the EP never overstays its welcome but still feels substantial. It’s the perfect length for a debut statement. It leaves you wanting more while giving you plenty to chew on and it’s one that deserves your time over and over again and also I really could not recommend this band more if you are into post metal, shoegaze or alt metal, then this is one for you.

If you’re chasing heavy music with real weight, atmosphere and catharsis, this is it. Slur have arrived with something special. A hell of a debut from a band that clearly means it.

Salt the earth and keep going. Long live SLUR!!