Slot's second EP, Rule of :45, follows the musical formula introduced on their previous releases (noisy guitar experimentation a laMy Bloody Valentine, indifferent vocals, etc.). Singer Sue Lott's hushed lyrics are usually hard to decipher, but it's easy for the listener to latch onto her catchy vocal melodies. The EP's opener, "Tryptophane," shows that the band can switch into Black Sabbath mode when the composition calls for it; the trio has no problem handling the heavy dropped-D guitar riffing. "Of Strikes and Spares" is alterna-rock at its purest and noisiest, while the unpredictable title track starts out slowly, rumbling along for nearly seven minutes and building up tension throughout its duration. The mini-album wraps up with the track "Starcock," which helps soothe the uneasiness you're left with feeling from the previous song. Fans of both sonic exploration and alternative guitar rock should check out Rule of :45; it's a fine, affordable introduction to the band. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
