Album review: Slaves 'Are You Satisfied?'

They're the closest to the punk movement for some time - Ben Smith gives his take on Slaves 'Are You Satisfied?' released via Virgin EMI.

Mike Warburton

Date published: 2nd Jun 2015

Image: Slaves 

It wasn't long back that Slaves had to cancel a handful of shows due to a 'knife accident', yet with the ferociousness and sheer bite of the album, it was probably a result of an airborne Stanley knife during a garage jam because they just don't seem to give a fuck. 

At least that's what the album says, and it's refreshing, reminiscent of punk in its purest form, could we call them seventies revivalists? Probably. 'The Hunter' (below) initially coated us with the album's red mist, and the remainder follows suit with a ruckus of thrashing riffs, belting drums and acerbic vocal hooks. 

The recklessness of the album is channelled through darkened lines throughout: "You're dead already, dead, dead, already" screams 'Cheer Up London' likewise with 'Hey' (below) that reigns down with "watch out for those kids please, they'll tear you apart". 

They're the closest thing to the punk movement for some time, carrying the intensity of Black Flag with their very own unruly swagger. If you were to sacrifice a bloodied nose this summer, make sure you head for the mosh pit that will naturally ensue when Slaves take to the festival circuit.        

Want to catch them in action? See where they're heading via the Slaves artist page