Isaac Holmon and Laurie Vincent, a pair of ‘cheeky chappies’ and friends from Kent, form Slaves. They are the newest addition to the ever-growing trend of two-piece bands, alongside acts such as Drenge and Royal Blood. Their music has been labelled as Punk, but the band argue and persist they are ‘Primal’. Facing controversy from the very early stages of their career regarding their choice of name, the band describe it as a metaphor – posting on their Facebook page “Our name and music is aimed at being a slave to day-to-day life and routine; it is a metaphorical use of the word”. If anyone thought this was a mere excuse, they have been proved wrong by the clear lyrical themes of their debut album, Are You Satisfied?.
A clear stand-out track is ‘Cheer Up London’. The imperative title is very much a contrast to the moody, stroppy attitude presented in the song. The chorus of “Dead, already. Dead, dead already” shows the pair addressing those who seem to have prematurely given up in life, or lost the positivity and drive they once had.
‘Despair and Traffic’ continues this theme expertly, with lines such as “This is life. Darling, don’t you realise? / You have got to realise”. The track presents the ‘trap’ people perceive life to be. These words are paired with choppy guitar to present a monotonous, continuous everyday onslaught of habit and schedule. Laurie (guitar, backing vocals) chants in call and response back to Isaac (percussion, lead vocals) throughout the track, with a portrayal of ‘doing what one is told and following’.
When addressed with a musical style Slaves bring forward (particularly Isaac’s shouting vocals developed from his past role of a rapper in previous hip-hop/grime bands), it is almost impossible to not search for influence from the infamous Sex Pistols – the initiators of the UK’s punk movement in the 70s. But very little is found here, unless you listen ridiculously intently like I have and find the line “It’s also very fun!” within ‘The Hunter’. The mocking, growling shriek rings truly of Johnny Rotten. Surprisingly, the main influence that can be found in the album is that of 2007-2009 Arctic Monkeys. ‘The Hunter’ and ‘Live Like An Animal’ possess similar stompy, grumpy riffs as in particular tracks on Humbug and Favourite Worst Nightmare. Despite this, Laurie’s previously stated desire to “stick out like a sore thumb” and to avoid “copying something that’s already happened” has definitely not been a failure.
Are You Satisifed? has succeeded in giving Slaves a noticeable, distinctive sound. Infectious guitar and loud drums full of attitude, paired with premises of escape from social norms mean Isaac and Laurie have set themselves a strong path to victory.
Rating: 8/10
Words by Natalie Franklin
@problemnatique