Bristol’s Oswald Slain are fast proving themselves to be one of the UK’s most exciting rock outfits, and their latest single Have You Got What You Came For? only adds more fuel to the fire. Taken from their upcoming debut album BUCKY (arriving October 24th), it’s a frenetic, tongue-in-cheek slice of rock ’n’ roll swagger that shows a band leaning into chaos, humour and unfiltered honesty.
Born in their DIY home studio and produced alongside Ryan Rogers (Mumble Tide), the track embodies everything Oswald Slain stand for: angsty, rebellious, and wildly fun. Fitzgerald’s sharp lyricism—scribbled down after a late-night show in the French Alps—channels the spirit of messy bar gigs, risqué banter and that unrelenting urge to make people dance. Pair that with Rhii Williams’ slamming drums and Ryan’s slick bass work, and the result is a track that bites with energy yet smirks with self-awareness.
What makes Have You Got What You Came For? stand out is its refusal to play it safe. The song races forward with a punkish snarl, yet underneath there’s the DNA of retro rock—dirty grooves, big hooks and a swagger that nods back to the raw Americana tones the band have always loved. It’s the kind of track that sounds like it was made to be played too loud, in too small a venue, with the floorboards shaking under the weight of dancing feet.
It also serves as a confident teaser for BUCKY, the band’s debut record written and recorded at speed with little polish but maximum heart. Fitzgerald describes it as a “short eight track album that captures surrender, growth and hope within a chaotic lifestyle,” and if this single is anything to go by, fans can expect a record brimming with unguarded energy and cathartic release.
Oswald Slain might have once been known as Little Thief, but this new chapter feels like a rebirth. Their EP Kiss Me On The Mouth already earned praise from tastemakers at Rough Trade, Ones To Watch and Apple editorial, and now, with Have You Got What You Came For?, they’re showing the grit, humour and audacity that could push them onto even bigger stages.
It’s scrappy, it’s loud, it’s cheeky—and it leaves you wanting more. If the question is “Have You Got What You Came For?”, the answer after listening is a resounding yes.
Have You Got What you Came For? Is released on Thursday 22nd August and can be pre-saved here.
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