Chloe Slater releases powerful new single “War Crimes”

Words by Paula Zawicka

After a huge year that’s seen two sold-out headline tours and growing critical acclaim, Chloe Slater is back with a brand new single, “War Crimes”, out now on Stolen Juice (AWAL).

The track is one of Slater’s most emotional and political songs yet – a raw protest song that responds to the ongoing genocide of Palestinians and the UK government’s role in it. Driven by jagged guitars, deep basslines and Slater’s expressive vocals, “War Crimes” builds from quiet anger into something cathartic and defiant.

“War Crimes is a really important song to me,” Chloe says. “It feels like the first real protest song I’ve ever written. I wrote it after watching the genocide of Palestinians being broadcast to the world, and feeling a deep sense of helplessness as our leaders continued to dismiss the problem and enable the oppressors.”

She adds that the song is “an ode to all those who feel betrayed and disillusioned by the UK Labour government, whose ideals have become increasingly right-wing since Keir Starmer’s election.”

Working with producers Ash Workman and Jack Shuter, “War Crimes” continues to build on the socially aware sound of Slater’s earlier releases – her EPs You Can’t Put A Price On Fun and Love Me Please. Where her recent single “Harriet” showed a lighter and more romantic side, “War Crimes” looks outward again: a protest song for a generation tired of feeling ignored.

The single’s cover art features the work of Ahmed Al Da’alsa, a Palestinian artist from Gaza whose powerful images document life under occupation. Chloe says, “It’s so important right now to be championing the work of Palestinian artists, and to let their stories be heard through their own words and art. I’m so grateful to Ahmed for letting me use one of his pieces for the War Crimes cover art.”

To support Ahmed and his family, Chloe will release a limited run of t-shirts and tote bags featuring his artwork, with all profits going directly to them.

Since her debut, Slater has quickly become one of the UK’s most exciting new voices. Her honest songwriting and guitar-driven sound – mixing grungy indie with protest energy – have earned praise from Pitchfork, NME, The Independent, The Forty-Five, DIY, and Rolling Stone UK, as well as support from BBC Radio 1 and 6Music. Songs like “Fig Tree” and “Sucker” have reached over a million streams each, and her sold-out headline shows and summer set at Glastonbury’s Leftfield Stage have cemented her as an artist to watch.

Chloe is currently on tour with Role Model across the UK and Europe, including shows at London’s Eventim Apollo, Manchester’s O2 Apollo, and Paris’ Le Trianon.

With “War Crimes”, Chloe Slater once again proves she’s not afraid to speak up. Mixing personal truth with political conviction, she’s becoming a voice for a generation that’s angry and ready to be heard.

Photo by Hayley Thompson