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.
