Bacchanalia Magazine

by Reb Jordin

Chloe Slater, a Manchester based indie singer songwriter, recently released her third single ‘Nothing Shines On This Island’ on April 4th to the excitement of her ever growing fan base. After the success of her second single ’24 hours’, Slater has rapidly gained fans via social media platforms building a community of strong, politically active people. ‘Nothing Shines On This Island’ brings out the activist in all good people as it explores how power is often given to ignorant people just because they hold privilege in their money-hungry hands. Slater has created an upbeat and danceable song which house the important message that our government is failing us, just because your family could afford to send you to Eton does not mean you are qualified or even fit to run a country. Men like Boris Johnson, and the majority of UK prime ministers, are out of touch with the society they greedily wish to control, and Slater supported by her fans wish to change this.

At points in this powerful song Slater also touches on the theme of the injustices surrounding our current healthcare system. The lyrics, ‘welfares all there when you’re minted, access to healthcare in this country gets restricted’ convey the government as being blind to the plight of normal people, whether that be the cost of living crisis or the impacts of poor funding towards important healthcare benefits even after a global pandemic has just taken place.  Those with power and influence don’t care about the well-being of the people they are supposed to be supporting, instead they would rather use the country’s money for their own cruel gain. 

With punchy base riffs, shredding guitar and a relentless drumbeat the song is pushed forward in an angry battle cry fitting for the lyrics of protest which accompany this cacophony of relatable vexation. The chorus makes the listener feel empowered with the lyrics, ‘he’s got his contacts in the monarchy, makes a killing from his passed down property.’ Slater tells the story here of a nepo baby leader who survives riding on the coattails of others, his riches are the product of another man’s hard work and he was born with such a big fat silver spoon in his mouth that he’s practically chocking on his privilege.

So go listen to ‘Nothing Shines On This Island’ and bask in the light of an artist who will be on the right side of history. Also be sure to catch Slater at any of her gigs to experience the protest live as we anticipate her debut EP ‘you can’t put a price on fun’ which is set to be released on May 23rd.