Slaves: Are You Satisfied? | Album Review

Are You Satisfied?
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Artist: Slaves
Genre: Alternative
Label: Virgin EMI

The title of Slaves’ debut album comes across as more of a scornful challenge than a concerned inquiry, but it’s an accurate summation of Isaac Holman (drums, vocals) and Laurie Vincent’s (guitar) modus operandi.

The Essex duo aren’t here to make niceties; instead, their songs revolve around sneering at modern life and pointing out society’s deficiencies, sort of like a slightly less intimidating Sleaford Mods or a slightly meaner Alex Turner.

The music is similarly frank and forthright, with Vincent's heavy-handed riffs bludgeoning a path through the bluesy, raucous swagger of Cheer Up London.

From snot-nosed Sex Pistols-style punk to raw, blustery Black Keys blues, there’s little originality here – but there’s undeniable chemistry.

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a freelance journalist and broadcaster. She writes about music and the arts for The Irish Times