Since their formation in 2012, Slaves have carved out a reputation as being one of Britain’s best new live acts. Their shows, mad blasts of frenzied energy, usually end with frontman and drummer Isaac Holman topless and throwing himself to baying audiences. Remarkably, the band has detonated a punky atomic bomb in Radio One’s daytime A-List, with their singles getting regular play on the station. However, Slaves still face the challenge of transferring their energy and character onto their debut album. Clocking in at just over half an hour, Are You Satisfied? crams 13 songs into its hot pink, Bichon Frise adorned sleeve, hinting at the madness that is inside.

The albums opening double header of ‘The Hunter’ and ‘Cheer Up London’ is strong, the familiar singles retaining both their freshness, and in the case of ‘The Hunter’, their utter venom. ‘Sockets’ continues the pace with a rollicking, tumbling energy and buzzsaw guitars similar to The White Stripes’ ‘Fell In Love with A Girl’. As well as retaining their colossal energy, all of Slaves’ personality remains intact on ‘Are You Satisfied?’. Two piece bands seem popular at the moment and Slaves have sidestepped the po- faced posturing of Royal Blood in favour of a welcomed bratty humour and charm, which carries the record.

From the gloriously daft stomper ‘Feed The Mantaray’ to the brotherly dual vocals, the album is full of moments where, despite the sometimes serious lyrical content which urges listeners to “Do Something”, remind listeners how much fun it can be to be in a band. The albums title track and quietest moment is testament to this personality, it’s two-finger piano line and lo-fi acoustics are genuinely charming and work well against the record’s intensity.

However, while the charm of the band is endearing, the album, particular in it’s second half, becomes quite stale. ‘Hey’ retains the frightening intensity it always had but elsewhere there is significant filler. The likes of ‘WOW!!! 7am’ and ‘She Wants Me Now’ will no doubt work well in the band’s live show but struggle to make an impression here. Even at 37 minutes, the album feels long with the bands basic setup, while providing their uniqueness, creating little variety, with tracks becoming quite samey.

Despite this, the majority of Are You Satisfied? is very enjoyable, Isaac Holman’s vocals are spirited and intense throughout, with his stand-up drumming style attacked with passion and power. Guitarist Laurie Vincent also does well, his riffing lean, growling and to the point. The pair’s bond is evident, and their energy and sense of humour shines throughout.

With Royal Blood adding a pop gloss and sheen to their sound and Drenge recently becoming a three-piece, it seems rock duos need that little extra something to succeed these days. By infiltrating daytime Radio One, Slaves have already done the impossible. Their personality is their secret weapon, and they have tons of it. They just might need something more next time.

Are You Satisfied is out now via Virgin EMI Records.

Callum Sullivan