By Lucy Levinson
Claire Cottrill, who performs under the name Clairo, released her second studio album, Sling, this past July. The 23-year-old musician first became known for her DIY bedroom pop songs like the viral “Pretty Girl” that earned her a record deal with Fader.
It was immediately evident that Sling would diverge from the indie-pop universe Clairo created with Immunity, an LP released in 2019 that features songs like the Hot 100 hit “Sofia” and lead single, “Bags.”
Clairo exchanges the dreamy electric guitar and synthesizer heard on “Bags” for a melancholic nylon string and atmospheric vocals on “Blouse,” the lead single for Sling.
In an Apple Music Interview, Cottrill said, “Separate from the obvious musical changes and differences from Immunity, I do think that I have grown a lot since my last record.”
Sling is an incredibly thematic album with songs that orbit around motherhood, mental health, the music industry, and self. But, perhaps more than anything, Sling is unfailingly honest.
Cottrill said that she could not think of anything better to write about than the thoughts she wished to push away. The listener hears this manifest on the self-deprecating and simultaneously groovy track, “Amoeba,” as well as the massively raw and objectively sad song, “Blouse.”
Throughout Sling, Cottrill’s voice often fills the space where bass, string orchestration, and percussion might traditionally reside. The vocal melodies are reminiscent of Blue by Joni Mitchell, an incredible influence to Cottrill, and the namesake of her dog.
Sling, by Clairo, is a thoughtful and engaging project that might just earn a place in your heart and playlists alike! This album is the perfect listen for a brisk fall afternoon, and we hope you cuddle up by a fire with a good book, a cup of tea, and step into the universe of Sling.
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