Sling

Sling marks a significant stylistic pivot for Clairo, moving from the indie-pop of 'Immunity' into a sophisticated chamber folk territory. Recorded at Allaire Studios in upstate New York during the 2020 lockdowns, the album was heavily influenced by the isolation of the period and the domestic shift of moving out of the city. Producer Jack Antonoff helped facilitate a sound heavily indebted to the 1970s Laurel Canyon scene, specifically echoing the works of Joni Mitchell and Carole King. The record is notable for its use of vintage instrumentation, including the M4000 Mellotron and various woodwinds, which provide a pastoral, baroque quality. Critics praised the album for its lyrical depth, particularly its exploration of sexual harassment in the industry ('Blouse') and the anxieties of future parenthood. It solidified Clairo's transition from an internet-born DIY artist to a serious, craft-oriented singer-songwriter with a command over complex arrangements.