EP REVIEW: Slate Label – Slate Label

‘…it harkens back to the glory days of 00’s indie without being too clouded by nostalgia…’

Slate Label had already been making something of a name for themselves on their local circuit before this EP. The South Shields five-piece have been a popular choice on north east stages, winning competitions at numerous festivals and receiving a nomination for ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the SPARK radio awards.

This eponymous debut sets about demonstrating just why they have received popular the attention they have. Whilst the band list artists ranging from Sam Fender to Fontaines D.C. as influences, they’re careful and creative enough to avoid sounding uninspired and derivative; it’s perhaps a cinematic twist on the indie and alternative of today.

‘Blue Bin Day’ is crammed with immensely danceable rhythms, accompanied by jagged, punchy riffs. It’s a playfully scrappy affair with a sound that will appeal to fans of early Arctic Monkeys. ‘Forgotten’ possesses surprisingly intricate percussion, with complex drum fills perfectly contrasted by simple, driving riffs. A particularly searing guitar solo in the back half is a great touch that adds some real rock flair.

‘Tattooed On My Mind’ is a gorgeously hazy cut, with jangly guitars, weaving bass melodies, and a distinctly The Smiths approach to vocals; it makes for the perfect summer love anthem, especially with lyricism such as ‘I’m sorry you’re not my first kiss/But I promise you’ll be my last’. ‘The Ballad’ has bittersweet lyricism layered over buoyant bass lines and a cinematic combination of keys and guitars. It makes for a wonderfully soulful close to the EP, with the vocals truly capturing intense feelings of nostalgia.

On this debut EP, Slate Label demonstrate that they are a band with plenty of promise. They clearly know how to write a catchy hook and weave an infectious rhythm; it harkens back to the glory days of 00’s indie without being too clouded by nostalgia. With some further polish, there could be a new set of indie stars right here.

RATING: 72/100 – Good

For Fans Of: Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Razorlight, Kaiser Chiefs, Kings Of Leon

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify