SLAVES
"To Better Days" (SBG; 2020)
Reviewed by Snidermann
The first time I spun "To Better Days," by Slaves, I liked it. It was good. I kept listening.
On the second spin, I thought the music is way over-produced and a bit boring, to be honest. Over blown and not worth my time. There way something there, something I liked but I'd seemed to have lost it.
I keep listening to this record and It was okay but, frankly, I found it a bit distant from the reality of this age. I wanted to give it a shitty review but then, in my research of this recording, something happened.
Three times I listened to "To Better Days" and finally I found that it was much better than I originally thought; in fact, something of a gem. I didn't identify with this music when I first listened to it, but after a full 24 hours and several subsequent listens, I found myself liking this album more.
I kept listening. It's fun! I have to say that right now.
Now lets explore my differing opinion of this shit. This music is over-produced, every I is dotted and every t is crossed, and that may detract from the music. It certainly hindered it for me. There are a good number of really good songs here, but they do sometimes tend to sound the same. The singer doesn't get to stretch very much; there isn't too much variety here. I understand he's a new vocalist to the band so maybe that has something to do with it. Then again, maybe not.
I like this band and this record. I really do. But I found the music too often repetitive and sometimes actually quite boring. A little less production and a little more raw rock'n'roll would have helped although I will say you can clearly hear each and every member of the band here, sometimes more than you want.
Slaves' "To Better Days" is a good record, but I think the band has a great record in it. We'll keep an eye on them and see what unfolds.
Slaves: Zack Baker - drums; Wes Richmond - guitar; Felipe Sanchez - guitar; Colin Vieira - bass; Matt McAndrew - vocals.
By the way, the band Tweeted the following regarding their imminent name change and we thought it was important to include it here:
Rating Guide:
A classic. This
record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it
will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2000 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
