The Slates – Watch Life Burn

Image credit: Oliver Roberts

The Slates have released their latest single ‘Watch Life Burn’ via This Feeling and Lab Records. The single was produced by Peter Redshaw and mixed by James Kenosha.

As Spring breeds life into the UK, The Slates follow suit with this ode to living your life to the fullest. Originally written when frontman Louis moved to University, the song has a broader appeal, and one that the world needs reminding of in these dark times.

The rhetoric may be well-worn, but frontman Louis Barnes’ vocal breeds new life into it. Angelic and thoughtful, he allows hope to look humble and achievable for all. It’s an arm around the shoulder from an elder saying, “You can do anything”. His voice is subtly heartfelt, not overreaching, no ego, just a soul yearning to see the world and fall in love.

In a world that often feels heavy, The Slates offer a gentle yet stirring reminder to look outwards. This isn’t their ‘Live Forever’ step into the greats, but they’re striding toward that sentiment; it’s sure to follow soon.

The Cases – The Curse

Image courtesy of Fear PR

The Cases have released their second single, ‘The Curse’, from their debut EP ‘Mr. Penny’ (This Feeling Records / Lab Records). Recorded at Kempston Street in Liverpool, it was produced by Chris Taylor (Courteeners).

The Preston outfit is currently celebrating the song's release with a sold-out tour. This sense of triumph perfectly captures this ode to overcoming hard times. The ease of The Kooks’ debut album and the melodic bombast of The Zutons drive this song from emotional turmoil to freedom.

Will Bullen’s riffs are best with angst, wrestling to free themselves of the toxicity they’re mired in. He buries the pain deep so that when the solo comes, it’s less an ecstatic release, more a cathartic howl.

The Cases are currently on a sold-out tour with This Feeling, and on this showing, it’s easy to see why.