British geezers Slaves were recently slapped on the cover of NME, accompanied by the pull quote, “We’re exactly what this generation needs.” It’s the kind of attention-seeking hyperbole you’d expect from one of the Gallagher brothers, but from a relatively unknown garage rock duo – really? Luckily for Slaves, their debut Are You Satisfied? does a decent job of vindicating their cocky banter.
Oceans apart – literally and stylistically – from the Californian post-hardcore band of the same name, the UK Slaves take the flatlining heart of classic British punk and zap it back to life with some sneering social commentary and incognito pop hooks.
Guitarist Laurie Vincent and drummer Isaac Holman share vocal duties, routinely taking aim at middle-class ennui on Cheer Up London, Do Something and Live Like An Animal, the latter of which features the morbidly infectious refrain, “Become a carcass rotting in the midday sun.” They spit and hiss with cockney bravado, belting their instruments until the mix enters the red. You can practically hear the sweat pouring through the speakers. It’s all high-energy hooliganism until the fleeting acoustic title track interjects, proving the duo can mix in melody amongst mayhem.
Are You Satisfied? squirms around in its own snotty imperfections – it’s raw, reckless and a lot of fun. Will these guys justify the hype and go on to become the next Jamie T or Arctic Monkeys? Only time will tell. For now, let’s not overthink it and just be satisfied with this album.
BY JACK PILVEN
