IN REVIEW: Slaves - "Take Control"

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Coming just over a year after their Mercury Prize nominated debut LP, Take Control provides more of the scuzzy garage punk that got Slaves noticed in the first place. One of the more prominent people who discovered the duo is Beastie Boy Mike D, who signed on to produce this sophomore LP (and performs a short verse on Consume or Be Consumed). Listening to the record, it's not much of a stretch to understand what he sees in them, as much of Slaves' aesthetic mirrors Beastie Boys' own punk numbers, albeit with a decidedly English slant; the result draws influence from Sex Pistols, The Clash and, yes, Beastie Boys, but doesn't take itself seriously enough to come off as too contrived or heavy handed. It may not be revolutionary in any significant way, but its looseness, swagger and sneering fury is somewhat refreshing in today's musical climate.

September 30, 2016 • Virgin
Highlights Spit It Out • Consume or Be Consumed • Same Again

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