Sloer Releases Debut Single ‘crawling’
Rising alt-indie/loud folk outfit sloer unveil their debut single crawling – a haunting, slow-burn anthem of emotional wear and quiet strength. Recorded at the renowned Sublime Studios in the Waitaki Valley, the track marks a bold new chapter for the band as they continue their evolution from intimate acoustic roots to full-band resonance.
Driven by the evocative storytelling of vocalist Sophie Askin, crawling explores the weight of stagnation and the power of release – tracing the emotional terrain between being worn down and finding the resolve to walk away. This statement emphasises the importance of recognising when a situation is no longer beneficial and making the decision to prioritise one’s own well-being. crawling is basically about shame. Shame that others project onto you, and shame you project on to yourself. It is about honesty, it is about fear, and it is about being ‘effing’ fed up” says Askin.
The track was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Tom Havard at Sublime Studios, with additional production and mixing from Steve Harrop, who is also working on more forthcoming tracks with the band. The result is a richly textured, emotionally taut single that speaks to sloer’s signature sound: atmospheric, raw, and deeply felt.
Founded in the alpine town of Wānaka, sloer began as a stripped-back collaboration between Sophie and guitarist Jacob Smith, crafting sparse, spacious live sets where every note carried weight. The band grew with the addition of pianist Sophie Omer-McWalter, whose layered playing added depth and cinematic tension. The sound took on new dimensions with the arrival of drummer Mark Orbell and bassist Aaron Hosking – bringing pulse and momentum, while Mark’s backing vocals added harmony with emotional reach.
In recent months, sloer has captivated audiences in the deep south, playing sold-out shows at Rhyme & Reason, Wānaka, and appearances at YAMI Festival (where they recorded a demo with support from Gin Wigmore and members of The Black Seeds). sloer have also opened for Powder Chutes in Oamaru, played Wānaka’s Festival of Colour, and recently opened for Fiona & The Glow. sloer head out on the road this spring playing shows in Lyttleton, Port Chalmers, Queenstown and Wānaka.
