Single Review: The Slates – Understand The Groove
UNDERSTAND THE GROOVE
If you didn’t already understand the groove, The Slates are about to make sure you do. After a summer tearing through festivals from Isle of Wight to Y Not?, the Yorkshire trio have dropped a new tune that proves they’re not just ones to watch, they’re the ones setting the pace.
‘Understand The Groove’, is a Stone Roses-flavoured indie-funk monster, all wah-wah guitars, shimmering psychedelia and a bassline that practically struts. It’s modern and nostalgic all at once, a track built for bouncing crowds, sticky dancefloors and indie kids with their arms round each other, chanting every word. Frontman Louis Barnes delivers it all with that effortlessly cool swagger that’s fast becoming The Slates’ trademark, the kind that makes you believe the band know exactly how good this one is.
After last summer’s bright and breezy ‘Calling Up’, this new single shows a deeper groove and a sharper intent. It’s the sound of a young band levelling up, tighter, bolder and ready to claim their spot among the big hitters of the scene. Think the groove of the Mondays, the charm of early Roses and the drive of The Enemy all rolled into one but given a fresh Yorkshire twist.
You can tell The Slates love this one too. “It’s one to get your dancing shoes on for,” they’ve said and judging by the reaction it’s already getting at shows, they’re not wrong. Their upcoming sold-out headline at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club is proof enough that people are catching on fast.
With a stacked few months ahead from Gothenburg’s Viva Sounds to a support slot with The Clause and even a trip to New York for The New Colossus Festival early next year, The Slates are living what every new indie band dreams of, turning graft into momentum.
Yorkshire lads, big tunes and grooves for days The Slates are showing the UK exactly how it’s done. The groove’s not just understood anymore, it’s owned.
NOVEMBER
6th – Carlisle, OId Fire Station (with The Lilacs)
8th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club (headline show – SOLD OUT)
28th – Gothenburg, Viva Sounds (afternoon show – SOLD OUT)
DECEMBER
18th – Manchester, Academy 2 (with The Clause)
FEBRUARY 2026
7th – Sheffield, Foundry (with The Lilacs)
MARCH 2026
3rd-8th – New York, The New Colossus Festival
APRIL 2026 – HEADLINE TOUR
8th – Birmingham, Dead Wax
9th – London, The Social
10th – Sheffield, Sidney & Matilda
11th – Manchester, Gorilla
