ALBUM REVIEW: Fu Manchu, "The Return of Tomorrow"

By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 14/06/2024
Label: At The Dojo Records

 
“The Return of Tomorrow” track listing
 
1. Dehumanize
2. Loch Ness Wrecking Machine
3. Hands Of The Zodiac
4. Haze The Hides
5. Roads Of The Lowly
6. (Time Is) Pulling You Under
7. Destroyin’ Light
8. Lifetime Waiting
9. Solar Baptized
10. What I Need
11. The Return Of Tomorrow
12. Liquify
13. High Tide
 
The Review:

Fu Manchu have been putting out records, steadily, for thirty years now. These doyens of Californian fuzz have seen it and done it all. So, why continue? Most agree, apparently, that they peaked somewhere around “In Search Of…” or “King of the Road” or perhaps “California Crossing”. I don’t really share this view; those records are all excellent, but the band haven’t made a bad one yet.
 
Not only that, each Fu album has its own character. Whether it be “Signs of Infinite Power” or “Clone of The Universe”, the latter day work has a lot going for it. The themes remain muscle cars, sci fi, skate/surf and so on… and that’s both what I want AND expect.
 
If “Clone of the Universe” was better than “Gigantoid”, then “The Return of Tomorrow” is better again. This is ostensibly a double album- one half is revved up, the other half cruises along nicely. However, at only 49 minutes, is this really a double album or do the thirteen tracks just represent two halves?
 
“Dehumanize” kicks things off at a fast clip, burning rubber and fuzzing out. Up next is a real Fu classic: “Loch Ness Wrecking Machine”. It’s got the sci fi theme, the slow builds and dynamics that the band use and a simple and catchy hook. Scott Hill still has that laid back Cali delivery and Scott Reeder’s drums are as crushing as ever. This is a groovesome beast.
 
“Hands of The Zodiac” is just as good- wonderful grooves and riffs. “Haze The Hides” slows things down, uses a killer bass tone and shows why the band are often aligned with the stoner/doom genre- without being a part of it at all. It’s clear at this point that the band are displaying their different sides- or the different facets- of their heavier sounds. “Roads of the Lowly” has heavy riffs and panned guitars, with a somewhat repetitive hook that is characteristic of the band; heavy on the riffs and rhythms, light on the melody and with Hill’s voice mixed inside the music, not on top of it.
 
With things speeding up for “(Time Is) Pulling You Under”, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the record was a kind of cousin to “Start The Machine” or “We Must Obey”; non-stop action. However, once you are at the half way mark, things shift gear and then coast towards the line. “Destroyin’ Light” is relaxed but heavy with a quiet/loud arrangement. The drum sound is excellent, as is the guitar sound and the production is perfect with just the right level of grit and polish to showcase what the band can do.
 
I miss records which sound like bands playing live; I’m disillusioned with sound replacements and the ultra-processed sound of a lot of modern metal. Pro tools, click tracks sound replacements etc. all have their place (certainly within the extreme metal genres, where precision is demanded these days) and it’s fantastic to hear that Fu Manchu sound here like they do in a live setting. Simply put, it sounds like a band playing. In these strange days, I can’t ask for more than that.
 
The mellower approach continues with “Lifetime Waiting”, and more successfully with “Solar Baptized”- which is excellent. It has a kind of bluesy swagger and an almost sinister, threatening feel. Wonderful stuff. From here, it’s a similar approach with varying results. “What I Need” is a more contemplative track, mellow vibes abound, while the title track is a real standout with the groove hitting solidly but the pedal someway off the metal. “Liquify” is a big riff-with-space and works very nicely- the refrain is not dissimilar to the Leafhound track “Freelance Fiend” (for an obscure reference) and this works really well with the percussion ensuring that things freewheel along pleasurably.
 
“High Tide” closes things with an almost jazzy approach. These beach dwellers know how to chill you down, as well as get you running out for the next wave. All told, this is a very strong record and one that sits comfortably with anything else the band has done. Even if not every track is a bullseye, there are enough direct hits here to make this album extremely impressive. The band’s willingness to do something a little different is to be commended as, crucially, this hangs together as a cohesive collection of songs.
 
“The Return of Tomorrow” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Clutch, "Sunrise on Slaughter Beach"

By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 16/09/2022
Label: Weathermaker Music

“Sunrise on Slaughter Beach” CD//DD//LP
 
1. Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)
2. Slaughter Beach
3. Mountain Of Bone
4. Nosferatu Madre
5. Mercy Brown
6. We Strive For Excellence
7. Skeletons On Mars
8. Three Golden Horns
9. Jackhammer Our Names
 
The Review:

Clutch are one of those reliable bands- an album every couple of years, all of them at least good, no bad records… they have their own sound and style and operate in a league of one. In a sense, they operate in a similar way to Motorhead or Overkill: you kind of know what you are likely to get. The only question that remains is how good it will be?
 
I’m of the bracket of Clutch fans which thinks that the similarly-produced-trio of “Blast Tyrant”, “Earth Rocker” and “Psychic Warfare” are their best albums. Sure, “Robot Hive/Exodus” was great, “From Beale Street To Oblivion” was cool… but “Strange Cousins From The West”, “Pure Rock Fury” and “Elephant Riders” are merely worthy albums and so on.
 
So, with “Sunrise on Slaughter Beach” Clutch have the perfect opportunity to roar back with a high energy record after the more meandering “Book of Bad Decisions” and please members of their fanbase such as myself who enjoy the quirky themes and lyrics, the preaching vocal style and the bluesy/stoner-ish riff work that runs like a river through their best work.
 
Well, first off, the production is pretty punchy- not maybe Machine punchy- but punchy nonetheless. The record is short- these are focused songs and a playing time that would not fill one side of a TDK90 tape. So far, so good. However, it lacks something to make it stand out. Across the nine tracks, there are good and catchy/hooky songs here- all well formed and played. “Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)” is a strong opener, elsewhere, “Nosferatu Madre” really stands out with its loping groove and creepy story telling. The band play superbly, as usual.
 
However, other tracks just happen and pass by- “Mercy Brown”, “Mountain of Bone”, “We Strive For Excellence”- all perfectly serviceable, all Clutch but just lacking that killer bite that their best material has. In a sense this is a lot like a latter day Motorhead album- nothing wrong with it, a few great standouts and then the sound of the band you love, comfortably and competently delivered.
 
If the above sounds negative, it isn’t really. This is a decent album- a good album, even. To my ears it just lacks something- spark, inspiration… maybe even a little danger? So much has happened since the “Book of Bad Decisions” record that could have made it into the lyrics here, but instead the lyrics reference nostalgia rather than current events- a missed opportunity? Or a deliberate move so as not to distract from the band’s key manifesto of groove and good times.
 
Overall, this is, by Clutch’s standards a mid-table record. By other band’s standards, this is of course excellent- but other bands are not Clutch. Fans of the band will enjoy it but may not love it. Those new to the band may love this- the frame of reference will not be there, so that is a possibility. Have a listen and hear for yourself.
 
“Sunrise on Slaughter Beach” is available HERE 

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Stonekind, "Spirit of the Void"

By: Peter Morsellino

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 11/06/2021
Label: Salem Stone Records

 
“Spirit of the Void” DD track listing:
 
1. Ashes, Pt. 1 
2. Ashes, Pt. 2 
3. Spirit of the void 
4. Nowhere's home 
5. Untethered
6. Swamp stomp 
7. Dust 
8. Behold the stone 
9. Nomadic
 
The Review: 
 
Mixing a heavy progressive rock sound with a distinct stoner rock groove, North Carolina’s Stonekind offer up a uniquely haunting sound that must be heard to be fully appreciated. With a fuzzed-out desert rock base to work from, “Spirit of the Void” mixes genres into a finely balanced witches brew that is sure to delight anyone in search of a new sonic experience.  
 
Stonekind’s emotive sound stems straight from the heart, and that comes across fully on the album’s finished product. You can tell at first glance that the musicians involved threw themselves wholly into this project. Songs are masterfully crafted into full spectrum musical experiences that will take listeners on a journey. I can’t stress enough how much heart is presented in each bit of this album. It feels special and it invites the listener to become a part of it.       
Songs like “Swamp Stomp” showcase the band’s heavy grooves while offering up high doses of psychedelia for listeners to revel in. Grooves are infectiously catchy and easy to get into. This is an album that you can dance to all night long. Best experienced, in my opinion, in one solid listen, the musical experience that Stonekind  
offers up is simply extraordinary. It’s a sound that you can completely lose yourself in.         
 
I would recommend this one to anyone who might be suffering a bit of a lull in their musical enjoyment. This is exactly the type of thing that will get listeners out of the deepest of ruts. A varied mash of genres coming together to create something new and wonderful. Give it a listen. You will not regret it.       
 
“Spirit of the Void” is available HERE 

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp || Instagram
 

ALBUM REVIEW: InTechnicolour, "Big Sleeper"

By: Peter Morsellino


Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 21/02/2020
Label: Big Scary Monsters (UK) |
Art As Catharsis (AU)

“Big Sleeper” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Miami Funk

2). Under The Sun

3). Shaker

4). Big Sleeper

5). Gallonman

6). Doomer

7). Lend Me A Crushed Ear

8). Slow Moth

9). Tortoise

The Review:

Mark this one on your calendars, Stoner Rock fans, you won't want to miss out.  InTechnicolour have crafted a work of art on “Big Sleeper”, one that will nuzzle its way onto your playlists for good.  With a mix of rock solid riffs and some of the catchiest hooks in the genre, this one is no doubt a winner.

Full disclosure here folks, every song in this album will get stuck in your head. This thing is infested with earworms, and you will welcome them.  If you can't commit to having some fantastic stoner jams floating around your head for a good long while, you might do well to stay away. However, you will be missing out on something amazing.  This just might be stoner rock's big shot, and you're gonna want to get in on the ground floor.

First things first, these guys can write a goddamn song. From radio ready desert rock singalongs to droning doom metal dirges, every one of these songs is mastercrafted.  Vocal harmonies create a very warm and welcoming place for the listener.  Something about them just feels good and leaves you wanting more of it. Guitars flip through every page of stoner rock standbys and beyond, feeling just as natural when leading a fuzzed out assault or bouncing through a poppy hook. The rhythm section keeps things tight, while a playful swinging allowance keeps things very interesting. 

InTechnicolour shines brightest at its ugliest (which is still catchy as hell).  Songs like “Gallon Man” offer up the best of all possible worlds. Dark riffing lends depth to a melancholic grungy rocker while swirling atmospheres add a very welcome trippiness to what could be a real downer. Even at their most glum, the band keeps things grooving, and the overall fun of this release is not hampered.

Whether crafting fist pumping rockers or gloomy dirges, InTechnicolour does it expertly. This is the dawn of a new era of stoner rock. An era of legitimacy and respect. Early as it is, “Big Sleeper” will be making it onto album of the year lists. I can guarantee it. This is something big. On February 21, it began.

“Big Sleeper” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Geezer, "Groovy"

By: Chris Markwell

Album Type:  Full Length

Date Released: 12/06/2020

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds Records

“Groovy” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1.) Dig
2.) Atlas Electra
3.) Dead Soul Scroll
4.) Awake
5.) Groovy
6.) Drowning On Empty
7.) Slide Mountain
8.) Black Owl

The Review:

Let me get this straight: Geezer are a groovy band?
Yes, but also, they have a new album which is called Groovy.
I see.  So, groovy band Geezer create groovy record Groovy.  Which sounds… groovy. 

Well, this sounds… harmonious. 

In all seriousness, New York’s stoner trio have put their needle down and hit the groove just right on their upcoming release, due out 12^th June 2020 and released from Heavy Psych Sounds Records.  It’s following on from 2017’s “Psychoriffadelia” LP, and the 2019 EP “Spiral Fires”, and “Groovy” certainly does exactly what it says on the tin.  I’m honestly trying not to judge a book by its cover, but when the cover literally says what to expect, and the music delivers on that expectation… I mean, what’s a boy to do?

Groove is in the heart, so saith the Lord, and Geezer duly preach the word on this album.  If Pantera were a power groove band, Geezer are their stoner equivalent.  Each of the eight songs on display here are geared to make your body move to their rhythm.  I dare you – I double dare you – to try and listen through without tapping your foot or nodding your head.  It’s impossible. 

Like a mellowed out Kyuss jamming with Clutch, Geezer sound heavy without having to be frantic about it.  The album’s songs are meticulously paced to make you move at a cruising speed, rather than a pedal to the metal frenzy.  It makes for a much more laid-back journey, ‘Atlas Electra’ being a fine example of this.  It uses slide guitar, multiple guitar overdubs on the solos, and a steady building of texture to turn it from this initially simple riff and drum duet, to this rolling juggernaut of slow speed but undeniable force and power.  

The title track of the album includes Hammond organs, an overture of thick guitar riffs, bass badassery and drum domination which reminded me of a souped-up version of Electric Eel Shock’s ‘My Favourite No. 9’, with ‘Groovy’ being an ode to the raw joy of music, unlike EES’s ode to lead singer Akihito Morimoto’s favourite things in life.  ‘Groovy’ comes from a pure power source: a genuinely feel-good stoner smash that draws a smile on your face that would rival the Cheshire Cat’s. 

“Groovy” by name, groovy by contents.  Eight standout love songs to the gorgeous witch that is the Sick Riff.  Ash from the Evil Dead would absolutely rock to this while shopping smart… shopping S-Mart. 

“Groovy” is available HERE

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Radian, "Chapters"

By: Peter Morsellino 

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 06/02/2020

Label: Independent

“Chapters” DD track listing:

1). Stonier

2). Nothing Gets Through

3). Beast

4). Hearts of Metropolis

5). Not Dying

The Review:

Mixing earth shaking doom with sweetly flowing melodies can be a tricky task to master. Many times, you can end up with a noisy mess that drowns out any intricacies that were included.  Conversely, there's always the possibility of watering down the product too much, stripping it of any of the power and aggression that it once contained. On “Chapters”, Radian walks this line skillfully, delivering a well-rounded album that stays fresh over repeated listens.

The heaviness of “Chapters” cannot be understated. Low tuned riffing rattles the earth to its very core, with punishing density and a molten anger that burns clean through the soul.  Melodic lines sing like weeping angels, creating a stark contrast to the destruction Radian unleashes.   The top-notch production of the album plays no small part in this. With such crushing tones, it can be incredibly easy for a mix to become muddy and lose all distinction.  This is not the case here, as every brutal note and melancholic wail can be heard with crystal clarity. Bass enthusiasts will rejoice at the amazing bass tone which cuts through the mix like a knife through butter. With the amount of noise this band makes, the transparency is quite frankly awe inspiring. 

Album opener “Stonier” showcases Radain's ability to blend darkness with light expertly. Stoner rock riffs descend into full on doom chaos.  Interspersed with an endearing sadness with beautiful melodies floating through the tracks nine plus minutes, “Stonier” breaks through the gate with a statement of just what this band is capable of.

“The Beast” is a surprise helping in the center of a pleasantly surprising record. Channeling the likes of Tool and Marilyn Manson in a disturbing introduction before sliding intonation melodic sludge which is hard to beat by the best in the genre. Vocals standout on this track, offering up a wide arrangement of styles and techniques.

Radian come on strong with “Chapters” and they do not let up until it's over. With crunchy but melodic guitars, varied vocals, a driving rhythm section and a bass tone that can't be duplicated, this one is certainly a fresh take on the sludge sound as a whole.  Sure to be enjoyed over repeated listens, I simply can't recommend this one enough.

“Chapters” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM TYPE: Ian Blurton, "Signal Through The Flames"

By: Peter Morsellino

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 03/01/2020

Label: Pajama Party

“Signal Through The Flames” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Eye of the Needle

2). Seven Bells

3). Days Will Remain

4). The March of Mars

5). Nothing Left to Lose

6). ICQ

7). Kick Out the Lights

8). Night of the Black Goat

9). Into Dust

The Review:

With its powerful hooks and a fun seventies aesthetic, Ian Blurton's “Signal Through the Flames” is an absolute good time. An album that stands tall with the best of anything classic rock radio could offer.  Truly an album beyond it's time; this is a blast from the past that will surely introduce new fans to the glory of yesteryear.

Influences across the album are diverse without abandoning a central theme. A gorgeous mix of stoner riffs and vocal harmonies with a melodic bass sound and a style of drumming that was sadly lost somewhere in time. Electronics and keyboards fill out the mix with a textured atmosphere to complete the sound.

Album opener “Eye of the Needle” is of particular interest with a retro futuristic electronic atmosphere mixing with a very pleasant guitar melody that morphs into a rollicking jam rocker. On the whole, you are left wondering when Klaatu got so badass.  “The March of Mars” is a stoner masterpiece with riffs that would be very welcome on the classic “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” album. Keys round out the aesthetic, keeping things fresh while familiar. 

“Kick Out the Lights” stands out to me with its driving pace and guitar harmonies. It is just such a comfortable sound. It brings me back to a time when, despite its growing complexity, music just seemed more simple, more easy to enjoy.  The bass tone on this song is absolutely lovely. Everything that a bass line is supposed to be. A+ on that element alone.

“Signal Through the Flames” is a tribute to all the power rock that has come before it without becoming derivative. It would be easy for this album to fall into the realm of a nostalgia act, or even a work of parody, but the masterful writing and musicianship throughout keep its head held high.  Ian Blurton stands tall against the rock giants of the past, not as an imitator, but as an equal.

“Signal Through The Flames” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Humulus, "The Deep"

By: Andrew Davie

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 28/02/2020

Label:  Kozmik Artifactz

The Review:

The first time I listened to Humulus was in Hong Kong in 2013. Youtube recommended their debut album to me based on my previous music selections. I decided to follow Youtube’s advice and descend further down the proverbial rabbit hole. Youtube had been hit or miss with regard to its suggestions, but there was something about the Humulus album cover of an Elephant holding a beer with its trunk. Thankfully, I pressed play and was introduced to some stellar metal.

Humulus’s latest album, “The Deep”, does not disappoint. The band delivers some outstanding stoner rock. The album begins with the track “Devil’s Peak (We Eventually Eluded Death)” which does a wonderful job setting the stage with each instrument and the vocals working well in conjunction, offering a track full of stoner hallmarks like distorted and fuzzed out guitar. “Hajra” allows for the guitar to demonstrate some subtlety and inverts the Pixies formula of loud/quiet/loud. The second half of the album switches things up a bit. “Into the Heart of the Volcano Sun” begins with a melodic organ which segues nicely into some exquisite guitar work. “Lunar Queen” continues with some stand out acoustic guitar, and the album concludes with the track “Sanctuary III - The Deep” which has more of a light melodic introduction before revving things up with a monstrous guitar riff.

Altogether, Humulus does not disappoint, and this album will help to cement their legacy.

“The Deep” is available HERE

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Scissorfight, "Doomus Abruptus Vol. 1"

By: Peter Morsellino

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released:  06/12/2019

Label: Salt of the Earth Records

“Doomus Abruptus Vol. 1” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Caveman Television

2). Dumpfight

3). Coagulus

4). Rock And/Or Die

5). Where Eagles Drink

6). Piss In The Wind

7). The Battle Of (Mudhole Mountain)

8). Lead Venom

9). Whatcha Get

The Review:

Break out your shitkickers.  We're going for a ride and it's gonna get anything but classy.  Scissorfight take us on a good time romp of stoner jams dripping in southern swag and rock and roll attitude. Fun will be had, whether you like it or not.

“Doomus Abruptus Vol. 1” is filled to the brim with hard rocking riffs, sure to get you going on the dancefloor.  From funky jams to full on swampy doom drudgery. Like an eighteen wheeler on an all night haul straight to hell, this thing gets going and just doesn't want to stop.  This is an album best enjoyed over a few beers with friends, passing the funny stuff back and forth and pumping a fist in the air.

Tracks like “Coagula” rock with a forgotten swagger of years gone by, conjuring visions of exposed chest hair and souped up Camaros.  It blazes down the highway without a care of what lies before it.  It's hard and heavy, caring only for the blurring highway and the wind in its hair.  This is the general tone prevailing through the album's forty minutes. It's a rocking and rolling party that you don't want to miss. That's not to say there's no depth here though.

“Battle of (Mudhole Mountain)” is a country tinged story song that can hold its own with anything that Johnny Cash could throw at it while hitting harder than a freightliner.  A beautiful mix of genres that grooves and swoons and swings and broods. The bluegrass riffing is a delight, and a highlight of the album. 

 

Scissorfight serve up some fine southern comfort with all the riffs you could ask for.  A monument to raw rock and roll power. Grab a cold one from the icebox, spark up a joint, and gather round the bonfire. “Doomus Abruptus Vol.1” is a roaring good time, and this party is going all night long.

“Doomus Abruptus Vol. 1” is available HERE

Band info: facebook