Bay Area band Slinger self-identifies as emo, but that label arguably sells the group short. Their 2025 single “Cold Water” has a knotty, supremely melodic guitar figure at its core, warmly recalling REM and a passel of ’80s college and alt-rock styles. The tune develops, too, with an extended instrumental break that showcases the musical muscle of the group. A tight and complex rhythm section adds a kinetic feel to the sweeping track, which bodes well for the band’s future. Sure, the vocals seem to lean in an emo direction, but everything else suggests much more to Slinger.
Fri, 7:30pm, $10–$15
Chromatic Coffee, San Jose
