Some say The Slides are the next big Brit-pop sound; some say they aren’t — but isn’t that always the way? With the charming, jangling, swirling sounds of a Hammond, effects pedals, and recurrently strummed guitars, The Slides bring a gently psychedelic atmosphere to their brand of retro chic Brit-pop. This London based foursome are the next British invasion force.
Frontman Rod Da Rosa (lead vocals, lead guitar) and Matt Brana-Martin (bass) started playing together at Uni in Nottingham, England and the length of time these two have worked together, off and on, may be one reason The Slides' sound is so complete. Rounding out their line-up is Ian Compton (Hammond organ/harmonica) and newest member, Colin Oldfield (drums). Da Rosa’s smouldering, melancholy, raw vocals combined with their unique The Doors meet The Stereophonics meet The Charlatans sound is so sexy smooth that you just know these guys are seriously talented.
And now they have found their way through the pack and set themselves apart. Recently signed to new indie label Red Grape Records (formerly MVine) they released their debut “mini” album Slow Bullet and are currently working on the finishing touches to their first full length album (to be named and released later this year). Frontman Da Rosa agreed to have a quick chat with me recently about The Slides' sound and future.
Where does your unique sound come from?
Yeah, well I think in terms of our sound and us as a band, there is a melting pot really of the four of us. Each four of us, funnily enough, have all different influences which sometimes makes for an argument because people bring a different thing to the table. They’ve got their own influences and ideas how things should sound or feel.
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