Slash Fiction | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England |
| Genres | Queercore, emo, indie pop |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Labels | Amateur Pop Incorporated Self-released |
| Members |
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Slash Fiction is an English queercore and emo band formed in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 2018. The group is composed of Niamh "Beans" Webster, Sean Collison, Jamie Drinkwater, Dan Stringer, and Jess O'Sullivan. [1]
Their musical style incorporates elements of political punk, "fourth-wave" emo, and indie-pop.
Music critics have compared their sound to The Hotelier, The Wonder Years, and Spanish Love Songs. [2]
Slash Fiction was formally established in 2018, though founding members Niamh Webster (bass/vocals), Sean Collison (guitar), and Jamie Drinkwater (drums) had collaborated on various projects dating back to 2011. [1]
Following a period of solo acoustic work which Webster felt "didn't feel right" for the material, they sought to form a full band to achieve a denser sonic texture. [1]
The line-up was finalised through recruitment on social media, adding Dan Stringer (guitar/vocals) via Twitter and later Jess O'Sullivan (keys/vocals). [1]
The band's name is a reference to slash fiction, a genre of fan fiction that focuses on romantic or sexual relationships between fictional characters of the same sex.
In 2021, the band released their debut album Gender, Trauma & Friendship via the boutique label Amateur Pop Incorporated.
For their sophomore album in 2024, We'll Hold This Line Until Hell Freezes Over, the band shifted to a self-released model following label difficulties.
Critics noted this move as a return to a "purist DIY ethos" reminiscent of Ian MacKaye. [2]
The band's lyrics frequently address political and social subjects. Recurring themes in their discography include gender dysphoria, grief, structural inequality, and the concept of chosen family. [3]
Musically, the band utilises "gang vocals".
Reviewers have noted that this technique creates a "real feeling of unity," contrasting with the often isolating themes of the lyrics. [4]
Reviewing their 2024 output, Sheer Music described their evolution from "lo-fi urgency" to "orchestrated arrangements," highlighting tracks like "M18, M1, Parkway" which utilise brass instrumentation. [2]
Slash Fiction is a regular fixture in the UK DIY punk scene.
They have performed at the Manchester Punk Festival in 2023 and 2024 [5] , and have been announced for the 2026 lineup [6] .
In 2024, the band performed at Noizzefest, where Distorted Sound Magazine praised them as the "standout set of the day," noting their blend of "lush vocals" and "adult pop-punk." [7]