The Velvet Ditch is ‘quite possibly’ the best SLAVES record to date

The Velvet Ditch is third EP brought to us by Kent duo SLAVES. Not so long released from ‘Acts Of Fear And Love’, this bombastic and ever random instalment hit the world by surprise after the boys recent stint of festivals and shows in China and Australia.

After speaking with DIY, Laurie confirmed that the 4 track EP was created off the back of their predecessor.

“We had these songs that we liked too much to be B-sides but they also didn’t make sense on that album”.

The 4 track EP is an oddball collection of various inspirations. Starting with a bombastic riff focused, Beastie Boys, grime-infused ‘One More Day Won’t Hurt’ to the quintessentially UK Punk stint ‘It Makes Me Sick’. Flip the record on it’s B-Side and we’re gifted with two ballads.

Self-title track ‘The Velvet Ditch’ is a homage to SLAVES essence of that small-town mind that they’ve carried with them throughout their career. The boys will forever remember the independent venues that gave host to their talent across the UK and do everything they can to highlight their continued closures. The album finishes with the country bumpkin acoustic dream-boy of ‘When Will I Learn?’.

It’s an extended play of two halves; two halves which have made me fall in love with this band all over again. When I hear a SLAVES record, I want to be intrigued and I want my ears to bleed. SLAVES have returned to their bread and butter in a big way and it’s an absolute stones throw away from the previous record. This is simply the best record they’ve put out in a very long time, quite possibly, ever.