SLAVES at Barrowlands
Words by Alex Matthew | Photography by Sean Francis
English punk rock-duo SLAVES arrived in Scotland this Thursday complete with earthquake-esque tunes and cheeky Irn Bru themed t-shirts to shake Barrowlands in Glasgow to it’s very core.
What’s perhaps most intriguing about SLAVES is that they are far more powerful and effective live than they are recorded, an attribute which just about packs an equal amount of pros as it does cons. Whilst many groups also find greater strength on the stage than in the studio, few do to the extent of this tattoo-clad two-piece. What should be quickly cleared up is that SLAVES’ trilogy of albums are extremely impressive pieces of heavy duty rock, making their wild on-stage performances simply captivating.
Their control of the boisterous crowd was highlighted by the mediocre supporting acts and evident from the shattering opener, “Sockets” which practically blew the room apart leaving it wide open for SLAVES to take control. The sold out house chanting back every line, every word, every syllable that left their lips.
Throughout the fast paced night they maintained a constant connection with the audience, both through their astounding music and via lead singer, Issac Holman’s frequent interactions with the crowd which proved thoroughly entertaining. Holman’s stage presence was out on show from start to finish with him frequently leaving his drum kit lair to prowl around his platform as if he were a lion searching for his prey.
By the time the night drew to a close with their smash-hit riot inducing The Hunter the audience was evidently both physically and mentally exhausted but still begging desperately for another song. The night’s only disappointment being SLAVES refusal to accept the crowd’s polite request of just “one more tune”.
As I embarked on the hour-long train journey home that night, a sweat soaked t-shirt clasped tightly in my right hand, I shoved in my headphones and started up SLAVES classic 2015 debut Are You Satisfied? In comparison to what I’d just been witness to it somehow didn’t carry anywhere near the same entrancing effect. I longed to be back in Barrowlands amongst the crowd, to feel the vibrations surging in the floor beneath my feet as we all became unified through their powerful punky primal music.
And so I wondered to myself; is tomorrow’s show sold out?
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Sean Francis was at the chaotic scene, complete with his camera, in order to capture some stunning snaps. His photographs can be seen below:
