A perfect 3 minute and 30 second alt-rock behemoth

For Blue Slate, emotion forms the cornerstone of their songwriting approach and the expressing the truth of the track is paramount when crafting their music. This can be heard on the massive new single ‘Beaker’. Having spent their two years in existence crafting an ever-evolving sound that has caught the attention of Hot Press, RTE2XM, Ragged Cast, The Beat.ie, First Contact Music, Genuine Irish and John Barker, they also boast a string of UK tours, dates in France and an ucpoming date in the Netherlands, playing the prestigious Left of the Dial festival.

Formed in the wake of Covid by John Harney (rhythm guitar and vocals) and Pierce Devine (lead guitar), who were later joined by James Hargreaves (bass) and Tim Tora (drums), the band quickly became the centre point of their lives, intending to forge a sound that would allow them to explore a vast sonic territory and not be boxed into any one genre or set of rules. The band have evolved by taking a myriad of influences and putting them through their own uber-cool filter, all while remaining true to themselves and the message they aim to convey across their body of work.

‘Beaker’ for all its bombast and drive, unexpectedly started of life as slow folk song. It wasn’t until John brought it to the band and they took their respective hammers to the anvil, where the band stomp on their over drive pedals and explode into action from the get-go. Perhaps the only remnants of its original folk inception can be heard in the verse in the acoustic guitar embellishment, percussive as it is melodic.

Lyrically the track runs the gamut of emotional turmoil, how feeling trapped in relationships can lead to self-destructive coping mechanisms to run from problems. The chorus acts as a glimmer of respite and a positive affirmation in the face of this. That despite how hard it may be it’s important to express yourself, be honest, be truthful. Recorded in August last year, the band sought peace and space for creative freedom, setting up for three days at Transmission Rooms in Longford, with producer Keelan O Reilly. The artwork for the track was created by long time collaborator, Hugo Devine, who helps gives a visual snapshot.

Blue Slate’s character is ever entrancing, and we look forward to hearing what dish they serve next. They are baked in a somewhat shoegaze-shaped tin, but their flavours are something to be enjoyed with a fresh palette with each release.

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