So, last round I featured a bunch of albums on the softer
side of the underground. As you know my tastes are diverse in general and if
it’s got a groove to it I will give it a chance. Today I’m just picking right
up where I left off with albums that have had an impact on me recently. I’ll
start with a couple local bands which, oddly enough, I still have not caught
live, but after listening to their recorded material I will make it a point.
Silver – Rock’n’Roll is Dead EP
Silver are a relatively new band in town. I’ve know some of
the players casually from just being around the scene at other shows and venues
where you see a lot of the same folks. Greg was in my brothers high school
class and his older brother Guy was in my class growing up but I never really
knew the musical influence of the Gilmores until the Reno days where he’s been a heavily involved
in the current scene.
This album proves the inverse of the title. We all know Rock
N Roll has never died, in fact its thriving harder than ever right here and
right now. Silver put some blood sweat and tears into this EP yielding a fine
output of classic rock meets garage-tinged boogie blues. Do yourself a favor
and skip the latte today, drop $5 on this high-octane rock EP instead. Favorite
track: Black Lipstick.
Hopeless Jack – Hopeless Jack
Hopeless Jack’s name has popped up a few times on my radar
and I hadn’t dug in until a few weeks ago. Boy, was I impressed. These guys
play a raucous fill of heavy blues, grounded in roots and grizzled with the
heart and soul of punk rock. The vocals are a highlight and are complimented
well with the addition of keys and a nice helping of soulful southern twang.
The Miltones – The Miltones
This is just lovely. Think the country twang of Lorrie
Morgan meet the bluesy wail of Stevie Nicks. Wonderful keys, angelic vocals and
overall lush atmosphere. Favorite track: Gypsy Queen.
Whoopie Cat – Illusion of Choice
Utterly phenomenal!! Illusion of Choice continues the path
of righteous prog-infused soul music dusted with sultry blues and infectious
grooves. Another genre defying output with powerful and dynamic structure. My
mind is once again blown.
Loggerhead – Depths
This one took me by surprise. The tags are a bit different
than the norm, and upon pushing play I was expecting something a bit outside
the box. Towards the end of song one its apparent that there is something
special going on here. My response on bandcamp: “Holy shit!! This is massive.
I’m waiting for fellow bandcamper Steve Rodgers to proclaim “Gods Holy
Trousers!” This is That cool! Wait for it.......”
Inyan – A Bitter Relief
INYAN grabs you immediately with innate hooks and walloping
fuzz. The smooth, distorted riffs pulsate at a low frequency coupled with
rocking solos, enigmatic progression, and rhythmic force. A Bitter Relief is a
soothing relief in terms of modern grunge inspired sounds. Favorite track: The
Way You Wished.
Feverhawk – Feverhawk
Come on guys, it appears it’s me and only one other guy on
bandcamp that’s heard this thing. The more I play the better it gets. A lot of
familiar vibes all wrapped up into one complete album. This rocks.
Feverhawk run a dangerously high temperature blend of
classic rock and stoner-doom. Symptoms include killer solos, aching muscles,
downtrodden fuzz, intermittent sweats, fat tones and rapid heartbeat. Highly
contagious with infectious riffs galore!
WoodWolf – Golden
Road
WoodWolf are another “Wolf” band I know. Or are they just
another “Wood” band? I don’t know, the cover has the signature David Paul
Seymour stoner rock artwork so that says “hey listen to me”. I did listen and I
was delighted. It’s not reinventing the taco, but it is adding a set of antlers
to an already impressive coating of fuzz. Straight up enjoyable stoner grooves.
Much what you would expect based on the album cover. I can’t find anything
wrong with this.
Vesta – Great Rift
I can't seem to stop listening to this. Its super heavy with
a low end, hook-addled fuzzy groove, plus infectiously gritty vocals with a
suave accent. Mandatory vinyl treatment!! Favorite track: Mercury Sunrise.
Fluff – Fluff
Well hell, why not make it an even ten albums on this
feature. I haven’t even finished this whole album but one of my fellow Doom
Chart contributors has been raving this thing up recently and I decided to cut
the fluff and give this thing my attention. I will have finished this album
multiple times before this article publishes but as of now I can tell its
worthy of a recommendation. A little bit Queens of the Stone Agey in style
there an abstract groove going on with a clean vocal tone and crunchy guitar
sounds happening. I guess they are immense in a live setting. Go see them if
you live in Melbourne.
God damn Melbourne,
why do they have all the great bands?
-The Huntsman
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