Slate’s ‘Tabernacl’ Is A Powerful Introduction

Cardiff based Slate make their bow with debut single ‘Tabernacl’.

The band are a key part of the city’s close-knit DIY scene, with early shows displaying stunning promise. You can hear aspects of Stateside indie rock – from early Pavement to Horsegirl in their sound – alongside UK-centric post-pock. There’s a stubborn desire to speak their truth, however, which feels defiantly Welsh – a group of musicians who don’t wish to slot easily into a pigeonhole.

Alongside austere yet poetic indie rock Slate infuse this with a sharp-edged awareness of Welsh culture and identity, citing writers such as RS Thomas and Dylan Thomas as key points of inspiration.

Out now, ‘Tabernacl’ has a gothic streak to it, reminiscent of The Cure’s early run or aspect of Killing Joke. Slate comment…

“The aim was to transport people to a definitive place through the music, similarly to how The Cure do on ‘a Forest’. That midnight drive seemed to perfectly capture the feeling of dread.” 

“Whilst the first half of the song is characterised by regret, I relate the second half to confession. And with confession comes a relief which I think is embodied in the music. It was these types of connotations surrounding repentance that led to the song being titled ‘Tabernacl’.”

An imposing introduction, Slate break from the pack on a song packed with ambition, and a desire for individuality.

Tune in now.

Photo Credit: Sam Stevens