Slalom D are an important part of the North East punk scene. Their most recent album, ‘I Choose My Own Way To Burn’, is a masterclass in melodic punk rock. The album tackles important and challenging topics, pulls no punches and is utterly uncompromising in its approach. Scott Hays sat down with band members Fe, Tony and Ant to discuss the album, its influences and the ideas behind the music.
The album title stems from anti-Nazi figure Sophie Scholl. How does her story of personal conviction connect with the themes on this record and your own anti-fascist, inclusive roots?
Ant: Sophie Scholl and her brother were executed for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets in Germany. Millions died fighting fascism, and we owe it to them to keep fighting in any small way we can. We can’t just stand by and let it all happen again.
Fe: I was researching the history of anti-fascism and discovered the White Rose student movement – what they tried to do and the terrible price they paid. We all like to think we’d be heroic in times of war, but Sophie was considered a true German and was at no risk until she challenged the Nazis. Her sacrifice is an inspirational, humbling lesson in how we need to stand up for what’s right.
How has the band’s sound evolved during the writing of ‘I Choose My Own Way To Burn’ compared with your earlier records?
Tony: We started writing some of these songs three years ago. Since then, Ant Bircham joined on guitar and Lisa Lindstedt on keyboards. Lisa brought a wider variety of sounds, particularly on tracks such as ‘Cosmic Light’, while Ant has added some brilliant riffs to songs like ‘Varla’ and ‘Same Refrain’. For continuity, Iain is still destroying his drum kit, while Fe finds interesting historical, topical or local themes to write about.
Tracks like ‘Same Refrain’ pair heavy social bite with huge melodic hooks. How do you strike that balance in the practice room?
Tony: The camaraderie in the rehearsal room is brilliant – nothing is left off the table. The music usually comes first, and Fe brings lyrics to match the mood.
Fe: When a melody is being put together, I’ll often know exactly what subject to pair with it. Other times, I sit with it until the right idea appears on the horizon.
Ant: People might think we’re serious antifa types who only talk about revolution, but the practice room is actually a joyous place where we create, laugh and take the piss out of each other.
Sunderland culture and punk-scene folklore run deep in your music. How do audiences further afield react to those Wearside stories?
Ant: Working-class people want the same things everywhere: fair pay, the ability to support their families and a life free from prejudice. You can replace our regional references with your own local area and the songs don’t lose their meaning. We’ve played across the country and had crowds singing the ‘Harbour Walls’ chorus right back at us.
Fe: We tap into universal themes. Most people take pride in their hometown, and we have far more experiences that bind us than separate us.
What does partnering with a local grassroots label like Serial Bowl Records bring to this release?
Ant: We’re a DIY band on a DIY label. We have the backing of people who love what they do – strength in numbers.
Fe: Serial Bowl embodies everything we believe in. Some of us were friends with Dickie Hammond, who inspired the label’s inception, so strengthening those ties was natural. Everyone involved gives their time freely, out of love rather than money or ego. Sunderland has a great history of community built through music, and seeing that passed down to the next generation is something we’ll always champion.
You can listen to ‘I Choose My Own Way To Burn’ now on all major streaming platforms.
