Slaves' guitarist Laurie Vincent launches Art Exhibition

Laurie Vincent, guitarist and one half of primal rock duo Slaves, is proudly launching the first solo show of his artwork at a special pop-up in New Cross’ Amersham Arms on the 19th March.

Drawing and painting from a very young age, Laurie has gone on to develop a distinctive style. Inspired by the post-modernism of Warhol, the street art of Basquiat, the expressive, political work of Keith Haring and the anarchic, DIY ethos of Raymond Pettibon, Laurie’s art has been adorning Slaves flyers and releases since the band formed.

Laurie says - "I'd like my paintings to excite and inspire other people. I want my paintings hung on gallery walls and in people’s collections. I just want to take my painting as far as it will go and to keep enjoying it."

This first solo exhibition comes after his gallery début alongside members of Genghar, Alt-J and Bombay Bicycle Club, who each displayed their own art at Hackney Downs Studios last year.

Slaves share Chase & Status collaboration "Control"

Chase & Status have been teasing their fans with new music recently, and it turns out the featured artist on the latest offering was SLAVES! "Control" is your typical drum and bass track, pounding drums and - yep you guessed it - bass, however this has Slaves' rampant vocals and added punk swagger.

You can check it out below.

(C) Nathan McLaren-Stewart - Shot for It's All Indie at last year's Y Not Festival

Slaves cover "Go" by The Chemical Brothers in the Live Lounge

Slaves have covered The Chemical Brothers & Q-Tip's Go in the Live Lounge for BBC Radio 1, and the duo from Kent have turned an electro banger into a punk-rock anthem! Every time these boys do a cover it's always great and this one is no exception.

Watch the cover below. 

PIC - (C) Nathan McLaren-Stewart

[WATCH] Slaves- Sockets

Two piece punk band Slaves have released the new, interesting video to their next single 'Sockets' from their debut album 'Are you Satisfied?' Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman continue to deliver with yet another solid track containing numerous harsh guitar riffs which give the track that extra edge. The lyrics to the chorus are inevitably catchy, 

'It wasn't her fault, she makes sugar taste like salt, 

Cause she was so sweet,

Now you're shuffling your feet with you hands in your pockets.'

The brand new video for 'Sockets', directed by Ciaran Lyons, is a nostalgic affair combined with contemporary ideas from the duo themselves through the lyrics. The video itself is an incredibly artistic portrayal of the single, using the tangibility of plugs and their sockets as the main theme even though the song clearly states, 'You could hear your eyes rolling round in their sockets.' The presence of Slaves throughout the majority of the video (by the means of the old fashioned television screen), ensures that one doesn't forget the cunning and entertaining facial expressions from the duo. This is undoubtedly another hit from the this unique band and the music video is definitely one to watch!

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Check out the new video for 'Sockets' below:

10 Of The Best Covers So Far In 2015

Everyone loves a cover, and last year we done a huge post on the best 30 of the past 5 years, but we feel the urge to do another post. This time, including 2015's covers only.

Enjoy.

Orlando from The Maccabees in Radio 1's Live Lounge

Ewan McGregor - Hourglass - Catfish and the Bottlemen

 

Novo Amor - Welcome To The Jungle - Guns N Roses

 

Billy Lockett - Out Of The Black - Royal Blood

 

Mansionair - Seasons (Waiting For You) - Future Islands

 

ZIBRA - King - Years & Years

 

 The Maccabees - Lean On - Major Lazer, DJ Snake and MO 

 

Slaves - Shutdown - Skepta 

Gallant - Learn To Fly - Foo Fighters

 

Florence & The Machine - Times Like These - Foo Fighters 

Nothing But Thieves - Holding Out For A Hero - Bonnie Tyler 

 

[WATCH] Miguel - Hey (Slaves Cover)

One of the best up-and-coming stars in RnB music has covered the Punk's trio "Hey" in the Live Lounge for BBC Radio 1XTRA - Miguel's new album, "Wildheart", is out June 29. - I wonder what Slaves think of it!

6 Ghastly Glastonbury Clashes to Avoid

It's the inevitable nightmare of Glastonbury every year. You can double-check your clash finder as many times as you wish, triple-check the official Glastonbury app, but there's just no way of avoiding the gargantuan of clashes.

The saying "Well I could watch them and then catch the end of those?" will not do. Glastonbury is huge and with 170,000 people walking in every direction, you're stuck in the mud. So we've compiled a list of the worst clashes over the weekend and tips on how best to avoid them.

Friday

Jungle 4:30pm, Other Stage 
Wolf Alice 5pm, The Park Stage
Peace 5pm, John Peel Stage

No, what did we say? You can't catch the start of Jungle and then get to the others in enough time! Jungle drew one of the biggest crowds last year at the John Peel Stage, and could throw an even bigger show this year. Wolf Alice and Peace are chummy so may be quietly competing on winning the crowds over.

Our tip: Wolf Alice. This band are about to get huge and their debut album is just about to drop. You can always catch Peace at the Rabbit Hole the same night at 8:30pm.


Florence And The Machine 9.30 (ish), Pyramid Stage
Mark Ronson 9pm, Other Stage
Jamie XX 9.30pm, The Park Stage
Hot Chip 10.15pm, West Holts

If three acts clashing wasn't bad enough, try four. This raises a few eyebrows and a few utterances of "who the fuck booked these time slots!?" but that's the brilliant variety of Glastonbury. Florence has been bumped up the order and there's only one way to find out if she's headliner material... Elsewhere Mark Ronson, Jamie XX and Hot Chip are all bound to bring party vibes, with Hot Chip going on into the night.

Our tip: It's got to be Florence. It's going to be a landmark performance and could go down in Glastonbury history for better or worse. The rest you'll be able to catch at other festivals, and with Jamie XX on the up, expect many more chances to see him.

Saturday

Slaves 2pm, John Peel Stage

Everything Everything 2.30pm, William's Green

The John Peel Stage is infamous for blowing up acts. Last year Royal Blood, George Ezra and Jungle all propelled their career from there. Slaves could just about do the same this year. Everything Everything on the other hand are about to release their third album. It's big, big enough to fill William's Green that's for sure.

Our tip: Take your pick! Both bands are playing two sets each so you can catch Slaves the same night at the Hell Stage or Everything Everything on the Other Stage on Friday.

Pharrell Williams 8pm, Pyramid Stage

Ben Howard 8.40pm, Other Stage

Pharrell Williams will be hoping to keep the sunshine out for his Saturday evening performance and it's a rare chance you'll get to see one of the biggest names around right now. If you fancy something more unexpected though, go for Ben Howard.

Our tip: Ben Howard. He's become a masterfully moody musician who has the ability to switch at any time. Hopefully his performance will live up to Glastonbury folklore rather than turning his back on thousands and telling them to 'f off'.

Sunday

Alt-J 5.45pm, Pyramid Stage
Charli XCX 5.50pm, John Peel Stage

Two opposite ends of the spectrum here, but each are bound to put on two of the best shows of the festival. Charli XCX has proved she's a worthy pop star with rock star attitude, whereas Alt-J have just kept being themselves and put on one of the tightest live shows around.

Our tip: Alt-J. It's always good for bands to put on a decent show but Alt-J take it to new levels. Their show is crisper than their records and more gooey than the mud beneath your feet. How? You'll have to go and see for yourself.


The Who 9.45pm, Pyramid Stage
The Chemical Brothers 9.45pm, The Chemical Brothers
Mini Mansions 10pm, Rabbit Hole

No one saw this one coming. The Who headline Glastonbury on the 50th year of their career. It's huge for them, but for the majority of the audience? We're not convinced. The Chemical Brothers will look to put on the final party of the weekend whereas Mini Mansions will burrow themselves in the Rabbit Hole. Could they be accompanied by a certain Alex Turner? It could happen.

Our tip: It's the last night so choose wisely. Mini Mansions towing in Alex Turner could be a long shot and The Who are your dad's favourite band not yours right? Go for The Chemical Brothers. Past and present work point all indicators towards them to seal the deal on the Sunday night.

Aside from the clashes though, there's tonnes of other acts to go and watch. Make sure you do download the official Glastonbury EE app. It'll come in handy when your up to your eyeballs in times, stages and obscure band names.

(@JJShreeve)

10 Acts You MUST See At Glastonbury 2015

Every year we get excited for Glastonbury, and every year it sells out before a name has even been announced. But, when the line-up for the festival comes out in April/May time we get excited, but most of the time the exciting acts are found on the smaller stages, and sometimes even the big bands play secret shows.

So here it is, the TEN acts you NEED to see at Glastonbury this year, and where to find them on what day.

Glastonbury as seen from the highest point on site

1 - ZIBRA @ BBC Introducing Stage - Sunday at 19:35

2 - Gengahr @ John Peel Stage - Sunday at 11:40

3 - Longy @ Rabbit Hole - Saturday at 17:30

 

4 - Lionel Richie @ Pyramid Stage - Sunday at 16:00

5 - Coasts @ John Peel Stage - Saturday at 13:00

6 - Declan McKenna @ Rabbit Hole - Thursday at 19:00

also @ William's Green - Friday at 10:45

7 - Mini Mansions @ John Peel Stage - Sunday at 12:40

also @ Rabbit Hole - Sunday at 22:00

8 - Astronomyy @ La Pussy Parlure - Fridat at 16:30

9 - Peace @ John Peel Stage - Friday at 17:00

also @ The Rabbit Hole - Friday at 20:30

10 - Slaves @ John Peel Stage - Saturday at 14:00

 also @ Hell Stage - Saturday night (Sunday morning) at 00:15

And maybe one surprise - I hope it's these guys! - If not enjoy the festival, it's the best around!

Slaves & Skepta perform "Shutdown" at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend

Two weeks ago Slaves entered the Live Lounge for BBC Radio 1 and performed a cover of Skepta's "Shutdown", but this weekend the duo went one better at the station's Big Weekend in Norwich. They covered it on the In New Music We Trust Stage and Skepta himself joined them on stage!

Check out the video in full below

Slaves reveal new track "Cheer Up London"

Slaves have revealed their latest track to be lifted from their début album "Are You Satisfied?" - The album is out on the 1st of June and will also features "Feed The Mantaray". The track was revealed via Huw Stephen's BBC Radio 1 show (currently sitting in for Annie Mac) earlier on today.

Scroll on down below.

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Slaves announce first ever UK tour

The noisey duo have announced a big UK tour for May, the tour will see them take in some of the best venues the UK has to offer including Scala in London as well as the unique venue in Bristol, Thekla.

Announcing the dates on Twitter earlier today (March 2), Slaves told fans, "After three years of being a band we are finally doing"

Slaves UK Tour
May
5 - Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
6 - London Scala
9 - Manchester Gorilla
10 - Glasgow King Tut's
11 - Newcastle The Cluny
13 - Bristol Thekla
14 - Nottingham Rescue Rooms
18 - Birmingham Library At The Institute
19 - Sheffield Leadmill

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Interview with... Slaves

The NME Awards creep up on you each year and you have to fumble to think of deserved winners of the glamorous 'middle finger' award. Unlike some of the winners, which you won't remember in years to come, the NME Awards Show provides some of the finest new talents around to tour the UK around the month of February.

Slaves backstage before their gig in Norwich last year (photo by Cal Beasley).

Traditionally including four acts, although tonight The Amazing Snakeheads have pulled out, the first slot is sacred and held by the likes of Coldplay, Florence and the Machine and the Kaiser Chiefs. This year it's the turn of Slaves to kick off the 2015 NME Awards Tour at The Leadmill in Sheffield, but first they must decipher which is the best flavour of Monster Munch and after settling on pickled onion, they sit down for a chat. Listen to what they had to say through stuffed mouthfuls of stinkin' crisps.

Interview by Josh Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

Slaves Share New Video for 'Feed The Mantaray'

Slaves have released the surreal video for their latest single, 'Feed The Mantaray'.

Photograph by Cal Beasley

The pair, who are currently on the NME Awards Tour, have released their most eccentric video yet, which features, naturally, a giant mantaray chasing them on a sea bed of pick 'n' mix. The track comes of their debut album, 'Are You Satisfied?', which is due for release on June 1st. 

You can watch the video for 'Feed The Mantaray' below:

(@JJShreeve)

Live Review... Slaves @ The Leadmill, February 19th

You’ve got to give it to Slaves. Not only have they managed to make it to the first night of the tour, when other band on the bill, The Amazing Snakeheads have just dropped out, but they’ve come prepared. They claim they don’t have pre-show plans but armed with a fridge full of ham sandwiches and clenching packets of monster munch, they’re ready for war. 

A giant mantaray lurks behind Slaves as they open the NME Awards Tour 2015.

It’s down to them to get the NME Awards Tour 2015 kicked off with ‘White Knuckle Ride’, the catalyst for the first spews of beer. In between erratic marching, vocalist and stand alone drummer, Isaac Holman, asks the audience what their favourite type of biscuit is but there’s little time to answer as he scrunches his face up once more and batters the skins whilst Laurie Vincent shouts, ‘anyone for a garibaldi?’

Not taking themselves too seriously could be the key to success. Holman is shy yet mischievous off stage, but once in front of a crowd it’s his chance to confront everything that’s ever pissed him off, including ‘Debbie’ in ‘Where’s Your Car Debbie?’, which he says is of a story of searching for her car with a Sasquatch in hot pursuit. When joined in by Vincent’s vocals, there’s shards of The Clash flying about, but the duo claim they’re not trying to sound like anyone, although not even the most acute hearing can draw comparisons to anything from Sex Pistols punk to American garage rock. 

The street poetry tales continue from a shirtless Holman, who turns the ‘Yorkshire’ chants into ‘Feed The Mantaray’ when a roadie joins them onstage dressed as a giant mantaray. It’s all of a sudden turned very Shooting Stars as if Vic Reeves is shredding guitar as Bob Mortimer spits ludicrous venom. The light hearted story telling turns ferocious and politically charged in ‘The Hunter’, as opening lines, ‘the people are freezing and the water is warm, and the ice caps are melting what will happen when they’re gone?’ gather momentum and there’s a riot building in front of Vincent who peers through the mist. Moments later Holman finds himself amongst this mass as he leaps in during the breakdown of ‘Hey’, using them as a human towel to dry every beed of sweat he’s exuded over a short but savage set.

(@JJShreeve)

Slaves to support Interpol on UK tour

The noisey duo are to support the New York band when they come on over on their UK leg of their European tour. Slaves have recently released a brand new video for "The Hunter", you can watch that video below, as well as check out the dates.

FEBRUARY
14 Glasgow, Barrowlands
15 Leeds, Met Uni
17 London, Forum

Watch / [YOUTUBE]

Slaves reveal video for 'The Hunter'

Slaves have released the video for their highly rated new track, 'The Hunter'.

The duo are making a stir having been mentioned in BBC's Sounds of 2015 and are about to hit the road with Palma Violets, Fat White Family and The Amazing Snakeheads.

You can buy tickets for the tour here and watch the aggressively vibrant video for 'The Hunter' below.

Slaves reveal new track, 'The Hunter' and announce NME Awards Tour 2015 shows

Slaves have unveiled a new song, 'The Hunter', which has been tipped as one of Zane Lowe's 'Hottest Records In The World'.

The duo, who have recently been on tour with Jamie T, expect to have an album out in the new year and are creating quite a stir amongst the heavier indie bands. The snarling vocals and bullish bass sound like a new mould of The Clash carved with a razor. 

It has also just been revealed that Slaves will take part in The NME Awards Tour early next year along with The Amazing Snakeheads, Fat White Family, and headliners, Palma Violets.

Listen to 'The Hunter' below:

By Josh Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

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Daily Download... Slaves - Nervous Energy

Hands up if you like noisy Garage-Punk! We do, and Slaves have taken a Lo-Fi approach to the sound, with just the two members they certainly make up the sound!

Check out "Nervous Energy" here!

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