Pale Waves, Slam Dunk Festival 2024 REVIEW: “I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this, but I am pleasantly surprised,” Heather Baron-Gracie beams as she looks out over the congregation assembled for Pale Waves’ first-ever appearance at Slam Dunk. Understandably, she wouldn’t know what the reaction to the band’s lovelorn brand of bangers would be after cutting their teeth in more indie spaces, but it’s clear just how much crossover appeal they have developed over their time in the limelight. Of course, when you have the spikiness of ‘Jealousy’ and ‘Unwanted’ at your disposal, you’re going to make the emos swoon, but glacial classics such as ‘Television Romance’ and ‘There’s A Honey’ also feel right at home here. It’s a testament to how much the lines can blur in 2024 as it is to the unrivalled strength of the emotional resonance that Pale Waves are able to inject into their songwriting. Breaking down borders and making hearts do flips? All in a day’s work, really. ✏️ Jack Roger...