Slates – Prairie Fire

With no shortage of comparisons to make between Slates and many of punk’s most stylized trendsetters, the Edmonton, Alberta quartet’s unique style makes Prairie Fire a safe but exciting excursion.  Featuring landmarks bringing to mind Hot Water Music, The Menzingers, Social Distortion, and Leatherface, each song explores various aspects of each rather than just offering imitation of one.  As such, the songs feel fresh and engaging even when the band feels indebted to the past 15 or so years.

Kicking off with a shouty vocal salvo much like a cross between Greg Barnett (The Menzingers) and Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music), the ensuing rawness is sure to perk the interest of those within earshot.  For instance, “Sancti Spiritus” feeds on initial expressive energy, rolling back mid-song and plunging headlong with an extended vocal bridge that bleeds through to an enlivening outro.  Combined with a series of manic outbursts and unconventional chord selections (ie. Jawbreaker) a track later in “New Beginnings,” and the very Mike Ness-esque (Social Distortion) tempo reduction in the almost twangy “Broken Parts,” Slates’ master plan unfolds further with each successive track.

A very casual air surrounds Prairie Fire and Slates has no issues throwing in whatever is on their mind at any given point.  Whether it’s the 47 seconds of madness making up “Bun Bun,” or the deep thoughts of the poverty of the down and out on Vancouver’s East Hastings street, the disc has an effortless flow.

Slates scratches along with underlining confidence and belief in their influences, making Prairie Fire and a shoe in for anyone who has ever fancied themselves a No Idea Records fan.  Different without losing sight of the bigger picture, the album straddles the line between familiarity and obscurity all the while making tracks that are easy to enjoy.