Those West Yorkshire banger makers The Slates have returned with their biggest tune yet. What Have You Done? is both a completely quality backdrop for slamming yourself around the mosh but it also tells a hard hitting rights of passage tale – about how you reflect on a messy relationship and break up, and what the impact upon you was. It’s a euphoric bittersweet story when you realise you are coming through the end of that period and know you can be happy again.

I always think The Slates lead singer Louis Barnes has one of the best vocals in upcoming indie at the moment, and What Have You Got? cements that view for me. There’s a great rich strong tone and expression in Louis’ vocal.

However, if anything What Have You Done? is even more about guitar, with a soaring memorable high-down-the-neck well controlled solo from Joe Briggs. Meanwhile Jude Wales and Zak Oldroyd keep things heavy, fast and beaty in the way we have become accustomed to with The Slates.

While I loved the loose unconditional fun of the Slates 2022 monster track Shield Your Drink, What Have You Done? is a more reflective, mature and sensitive beast, while keeping that hard satisfying punch.

What Have You Done? is a track that is going to help continue the band’s escalation from being a big local band, to one that can fill venues nationally. These guys are already cutting a mark at the likes of Isle of Wight Festival and they are more than ready and capable for that transition. I totally expect to hear this tune blast it from national radio. Support slots to The Skinner Brothers and Pastel are upcoming in Leeds soon.

The Slates are still young teens, and getting to what might be a tricky phase as the band members move on in their personal lives.

While The Slates are soon to be leaving their home towns of Mirfield and Heckky for the bright lights of uni, it says how tight and determined these lads are that as one they are upping sticks to further their craft at BIMM Manchester this next month. The manny music scene is about to get a wake up call, The Slates are coming.

* words by tiggerligger

* images from the band’s own socials