The Band: Known for their uncompromising brand of power-punk, the Kent duo are not for the faint of heart. Regrouping as a 2 piece after becoming dissatisfied with their previous band, Slaves’ grungy, DIY approach (maintaining strict creative control over everything from social media to merchandise aesthetic) has seen them go from playing London dive bars to Later With Jools Holland in little under a year – wowing and terrifying fans in equal measure.
The Sound: The Hunter is a perfect showcase of how Slaves manage to sound bigger than the sum of their parts. To a foreboding riff, frontman Isaac Holman wryly pontificates on global warming before letting loose on his drum kit (uniquely opting to stand and drum when performing). Throughout, the jagged guitar, disaffected lyrics and pummelling, unrelenting drums combine to create a racket which can only be described as sinister. As the outro hook goes – “it’s useless, it’s pointless, but it’s all so very fun”. Amen.
THE VIDEO: Its accompanying visuals are suitably disorienting, towing the line between otherworldly and outright threatening. As the band pace around the stage clad in all black, they cement themselves as an enigmatic prospect with the potential to garner something of a cult status among the British music scene.
THE LOWDOWN: ‘The Hunter’ is available now on Virgin/EMI although those who wish to obtain a physical copy can do so from the 12th February on 7” Vinyl. In terms of live schedule, the band are billed as the opening act on the upcoming NME Awards Tour alongside notable groups such as Palma Violets, The Fat White Family and The Amazing Snakeheads. They play Glasgow on 22nd February 2015.
Words: Graeme Campbell
