The Kent punk band return with a blistering 30 minute record ✮✭✭✭☆

“Oi. What are you doing?’. The sneering words that open the third studio album from punk duo Slaves. As if to say why I haven’t you listened to this yet.

They haven’t been idle since their debut in 2015. 3 albums in 3 years sometimes spells disaster for some bands, often this behaviour comes from musicians who are struggling for inspiration and working from the same monotonous plan that gave them attention with their first record – this is clearly not the case with Slaves.

Although their 2nd record proved popular in crowds across the UK, the album seemed thrown together. Issac and Laurie essentially admitted this and said that the third record would be more carefully produced. This is completely clear as we hear the duo add a more diverse sound to their brilliant 9 track record.

If you’re a fan of Slaves, you’ll be used to Issac’s, now trademark, snarl. Whilst this record still sees his infectious spitting into the mic, it seems more appropriately timed. In tracks Photo Opportunity and Acts of Fear and Love we see hear tender, anthemic vocals before the inevitable explosion. Where as Daddy sees a no explosion and relative calmness throughout.

Opening track The Lifes They Wish They Had sticks to their punk routes. From the muted guitar licks throughout the verses to the bold and brash vocals in the chorus. The backing vocals seem a lot more prominent throughout.

Magnolia opens with amusing and interesting thoughts where as Bugs deals with more serous issues in which Issac’s vocals refer to a “let down generation” and the unmistakable cries of “Too late/ Fuck You/ We’re Not Having That”.

Chockhold is perfect. It would fit into any relevant punk album. The lyrics seem to be reminiscent of early Slaves’ with references to sensitivity hurled at the listener: “I proceeded to self-medicate/ I was shame-faced and full of hate”.

The band have always been referred to, and rightly, one of the best live bands in the world. Whilst I’m sure this album will cement this title even more, I’m it will also play a part in catapulting them to the festival headliners they clearly have the potential to be.

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