Slaves – “Through Art We Are All Equals” [Album Review]

Took me forever to get around to writing this review, mainly ’cause I don’t know what to say about it, as well as life and gummy bears. In other words, I’m somewhat torn. How much you enjoy this album will be dictated by a couple of factors. Firstly, if you are a fan of Jonny Craig, you will enjoy this album thoroughly. Every track has the nuance of Jonny’s character and writing style: soulful and wandering. For me, his vocal tone alone made this album worth listening to, truly a one of a kind throat muscle extraordinaire.

Second factor might be what kind of mood you’re into. This album made me feel like I was riding a gondola through a foggy swamp covered by draping Spanish moss trees, also known as Tillandsia usneoides, towards what at first looks like a beautiful woman, but in fact is an empty bag of Doritos. So, if you’re in the mood for that, you’re in luck.

Third factor: Do you like dynamics? If you just want blast beats and growls, look elsewhere. Might I suggest the door, perhaps? Verses swap back and forth between low-tuned guitar riffs and clean, ethereal verses while Johnny does his thing and serenades you with his la-las.

What genre is this album? I don’t know. Post-hardcore? Delicious and creampie inducing melodic modern rock? There’s a song called, “My Soul Is Empty and Full of White Girls,” so maybe it should be called, “Oxymorons ‘Cause I Can… Girls and Other Life Problems.” Either way, it’s a lot better than what’s on the radio, so go listen to it.

Track Listing:

01. The Fire Down Below
02. This Is You Throwing In The Towel
03. The Young and Beyond Reckless (ft. Tyler Carter)
04. My Soul is Empty and Fulle of White Girls
05. Those Who Stand for Nothing Fall For Everything
06. The Hearts of Our Young (ft. Natalie Craig)
07. There is Only One God and His Name Is Death
08. The King and The Army That Stands Behind Him (ft. Kyle Lucas)
09. ASHES.DUST.SMOKE.LOVE.STARS.THE.ONE
10. The Upgrade PT II
11. Starving for FRIENDS (ft. Vic Fuentes)

Run Time: 41:12
Release Date: June 24, 2014

Check out the song “The Fire Down Below”