Slag - Bootleg Social

Blackpool - 21st March 2026

Story by Liam Hughes

23/03/2026

Slag are a math/prog rock quintet formed in late 2023. After establishing themselves in their native Brighton they are now roaming the land bringing their music to the masses. Signed to the same Oxford-based independent label as Lambrini Girls, Big Scary Monsters, they've recently released their debut EP Losing.

They took to the stage at 9:20pm for a punchy 30-minute set. An encore was called for, but frontwoman Amelie admitted they’d already played everything they had. A cover might have been an option, but instead they left the crowd wanting more, which isn’t the worst place to be. Amelie has a great range. Her voice is deep and warm, dynamic, and full of power. Head back, mouth wide, fully committing to every note. At times, she channels something reminiscent of Chrissie Hynde, but with a rawness that feels distinctly her own. It was their first time in Blackpool. In fact, their first time visiting at all. With a day off ahead, they asked the crowd for recommendations. Rather than civic pride, the dominant response was “leave Blackpool.” Eventually, someone offered up the pier - a modest win. They played around ten songs, including the standout Face Off from the new EP, alongside a brand new track - and we were honoured to be the first people to hear it. There were plenty of lighter moments too. During one intro, keyboardist Seb and bassist Freya got caught up in a private joke, forcing Amelie to fight through laughter while trying to sing. Later, Seb realised their homemade Slag banner was missing from the front of his keyboard. After locating it in his case, he wore it as a cape for the rest of the set - a perfect bit of DIY charm. There was a good mix of people in the crowd, a fair few of the Blackpool cool youth and some older live music fans. Everyone was very enthusiastic and seemed to love it all. The band, Amelie (vocals/guitar), Seb (keys), Luke (drums), Freya (bass), and Dan (guitar) closed with a strong visual flourish, Amelie hoisting her guitar before flipping it to reveal a bold SLAG logo on the back. They’re clearly owning the name. Bootleg Social, opened in 2014, is a 300-capacity venue in the heart of the town, known for hosting both emerging acts and cult favourites. IDLES played here in 2017, while The Orb and The Boo Radleys are among upcoming names on the bill. Next month sees the hotly tipped up and coming Bristol band The New Cut take the stage. Support came from MLEKO, who put the venue’s sound system through its paces with a chaotic (in the best way) brass section. Frontman Ed delivered powerful, emotionally charged vocals, somewhere between Joe Talbot (IDLES) and Caleb Followill (Kings Of Leon) - raw, shouty, but always in tune. They’d nearly sold out of merch, leaving just a couple of smalls and a lone XXL for any lucky, correctly sized fans.