W: Matt Engell. I: Oliver Roberts
The Slates are hitting every milestone—from sold-out gigs to stylistic versatility—necessary for a true breakthrough. 'Understand The Groove' isn't just a new song; it's a statement of intent from a band ready to fill those bigger festival stages
The narrative surrounding Yorkshire trio The Slates is no longer one of a promising local act, but of a band on the verge of a serious breakout. After spending the summer winning over massive festival crowds—including a legendary moment at Y NOT? that reportedly required extra security—the band’s focus now lands squarely on their latest single, ‘Understand The Groove,’ paired with their sold-out headline show this weekend at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds.
The Slates’ story is currently defined by upward mobility. The anecdotal evidence from the summer festivals, particularly the reported overflow crowd at Y-NOT? suggests the band has reached a critical mass of fans. This is instantly validated by the swift sell-out of their biggest headline show to date. The statement that in 2026 they’re "going to need a bigger festival stage" isn't hyperbole; it’s a necessary observation of their accelerated trajectory. They have successfully cemented a crucial foundation, moving past regional fame in Leeds and Sheffield to garner national attention on the festival circuit.
The new single arrives with a confident title, and the press release suggests The Slates are intent on delivering on that promise. Described as a Stone Roses-inspired banger, ‘Understand The Groove’ marks a clear stylistic evolution. While their previous summer single, ‘Calling Up,’ channeled "bright-hued summer nostalgia," the new track leans into a more aggressive, dance-floor focused sound.
The musical element are awhirlpool of wah-wah guitar, sparkling psychedelia, andirresistibly funk-flavoured beats—paint a picture of sophisticated modern psychedelia perfectly suited for an energetic live environment. Vocalist Louis Barnes's "effortlessly cool delivery" caps this sound, suggesting a command over the music that belies the band's relative youth. As the band themselves commented, the track "reflects us quite well as a band and what we want to achieve in our tunes," confirming this is a deliberate push towards versatility and breadth.
What makes The Slates particularly compelling is their dual vision. They respectfully acknowledge the titans of British rock history, citing influences like Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, and, critically, Stone Roses. Yet, they are firmly rooted in the current scene, drawing admiration from peers like Wunderhorse and Pastel. This blend of Mancunian heritage and contemporary indie-rock aggression allows them to appeal to multiple generations of fans.
The upcoming calendar confirms their expanding global ambition, with their first European gigs at Viva Sounds in Sweden and a high-profile slot at New York’s international showcase, The New Colossus. These aren't just local victories; they are strategic moves designed to translate domestic success onto the international stage.