Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Self-Release.
Down are inspired by Sabbath. The Sun Preachers’ are inspired by Down. With a vocalist that is able to mimic Phil Anselmo’s hoarsely screams to a tee, Faces of Ashes is Bordeaux’s Over The Under: southern-fried, doom-filled licks, that are filled with sorrow.
Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Self-Release.
Let’s get this out the way: The Malex Kings aren’t from Chicago. In fact, it’s questionable whether the Pyrenees-linked duo, have ever made it out of mainland Europe. However, despite this identity crisis, Welcome to Chicago is a collection of tracks that pays homage to the Windy City’s musical heritage: from blues-rock licks, funk-filled jazz and soulful beats; all of which is tied together by cinematic overdubs, and French-speaking dialogue.
Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Self-Release.
Combining the speed and fury of hardcore punk and no-frills thrash, Hosoi Bros’ debut single is a throwback to the days of: lightning-fast riffs, blasphemous lyrics and hearty bravado.
Led by vocalist and guitarist Severin Allgood, the Memphis quartet’s tongue-in-cheek stab of emulating the genre’s greats, is a welcome change from the bleak, down-tuned charge, of sludge and crust. Allgood told the Memphis Flyer: “The sound of Hosoi Bros is akin to Motörhead, Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath, in a steel-cage death match.” Enough said.
Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Self-Release.
Marking the mid-point between Karma to Burn’s high-octave fuzz and Black Flag’s ideological DIY punk, Alabama’s Bonejackel make instrumental blues-rock that’s immensely popular. Currently unsigned, Rocket City Riot is the sound of an archetypical garage band going through the motions: simple and enjoyable.
Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Unsigned.
Slow Order make burly metal; that’s the only thing you can call it. Influenced by the likes of: Down, High on Fire and Mastodon, the Italian four-piece stay true to their forefather’s fury: static riffs, gnarly breakdowns and shattering solos.
Unlike, Mastodon, for instance, who use their technical virtuosity to create rollicking patterns and split-second shifts that are both thrilling and complex; Slow Order do one thing, and they do it well. They pummel. Pummelling, as fans of the genre know, has been an integral part of the stoner-metal rule book from day one; but without the ambition to challenge and improvise, it all sounds rather dull.
Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Bilocation Records.
Capturing the feather-cut swagger of the ‘70s; Exploding Rubber Band’s latest single is yet another celebration of classic rock values. In the grand tradition of dynamic R&B; ‘Magic Train’ coasts through lazy, heavy grooves with soulful intent; while vocalist Bård Sandemose acts out his FM rock fantasies: a throwback to simpler times.
Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Self-Released.
The most noticeable aspect of Speedpig’s debut – apart from the cringe-worthy pork references – is the band’s appreciation of their elders; most noticeably the NWOBHM pack.
Combining quick-fire guitars with rough-and-ready vocals; the Welsh duo could have easily tagged on the coat tails of early Iron Maiden, and no one would have battered an eyelid; however, over 20 years later, Hog Roast in Hell with its D.I.Y production values and revved-up velocities, sounds incredibly fresh.
Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Self-Released.
The opening track on Major Large’s debut EP is the perfect introduction to this L.A. band, whose warm-hearted, free-spirited compositions are richer and purer, than your average indie-roots outfit.
‘In The Wind’ begins with the tambourine shaking, village green organ bounce of late ‘60s Surrey, before its soft harmonies and bluesy licks; effortlessly transports the listener to California’s West Coast. Although this track contains familiar sounds, the soft-rock five-piece make something new and exciting with them; merging timeless folk with whimsical psych, classic rock and Southern blues. Carefully crafted and high on confidence, Metamorphic is full of positives.
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Faceslapper Records.
Let’s face it: Caveman Voicebox are living the life that most stoner bands dream of. California natives, who are lucky to count Fu Manchu as neighbours; Strippers, Mullets & Beer is boozy, blue-collar rock, in its purest form.
Boasting a confidence and swagger usually reserved for more experienced bands, the trio’s loose and sleazy formula, mashes equal doses of fuzz and good ol’ blues, at lightning quick pace (‘72’Nova’); while their controlled coolness, makes it easier to switch from full-throttle to comfortable cruising (‘Forsaken Place’) in no time at all. Despite a lack of references to strippers – or indeed, mullets – there is definitely a whiskey-soaked, feel-good factor here: and sometimes that’s all you need.
Filed under: Single/EP Reviews
Release Date: Out now.
Record Label: Phratry Records.
Time to take a trip to your local DIY store: Palo Verde’s second EP in as many years, is simply relentless.
Increasing louder and far more intimidating than their debut; this raven-haired Portland duo, aren’t your average twenty-something’s playing sweet, bubblegum pop. In fact, it’s far more sinister than that. To accuse Palo Verde of ‘making it up as they go along’ may sound disrespectful; however, this is exactly what they are doing.
Best described as: improvised, psychedelic-sludge – although, apocalyptic-metal is probably more appropriate – Zero Hour bottles the oestrogen-fuelled intensity of their mesmerising live shows, with deadly consequences; each track exploding with all the delicacy of an atomic bomb. Failure to soundproof may prove fatal.
