10% Reptile - Holographic Fuzz

 

10% Reptile - Holographic Fuzz
Playgroundz Records - 2023
Stoner, Grunge, Punk
Rated: ****

New York's own 10% Reptile follow up their genre-melding debut with "Holographic Fuzz", and succeed in crafting another set of unique anthems, this time leaning more to the grunge and punk ends of the spectrum than stoner. The sound's a bit more stripped down and jangly, creating an affecting atmosphere somewhere between grunge and heavy folk, with nods to Alice in Chains in the vocals but with an upbeat stomp in the rhythm. Highlight cut "Unfamiliar Hazard" showcases that stomp beautifully, a barn-burner of a track with cutting, howled lyrics and a physical urgency to the hard-hitting beat. Things are dialed back on "Don't Let a Good Thing Go to Waste", with southern gothic vibes joining bluesy licks and bright guitar that would've absolutely killed on 90's MTV Unplugged. Final track "Nothing's What It Seems to Be" brings some stoner fuzz and winding, chugging riffs to close the album out with extra oomph, and the quartet once again prove they're of a space and sound in the heavy underground that belongs only to 10% Reptile.

(Written by Kyle SB / Shastabeast)

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Glass Steigal - Glass Steigal

 

 

Glass Steigal - Glass Steigal
Self released - October 2020
Alternative, americana, indie
Rated: ****

Hailing from New York, four-piece Glass Steigal share their guitar/vocalist and bassist with hard-rocking outfit 10% Reptile, but veer away from the latter's distorted attack towards a very different sound. Blending Zeppelin-esque acoustic guitar, a bit of electric via Santana, and a healthy helping of americana, Glass Steigal create an infectious and attention-grabbing sound on their self-titled debut EP. The nimble strumming and plaintive vocals of intro "Back and Forth" start things off a somber atmosphere, opened up further by the Santana-reminiscent electric lead that sneaks in to give the track an epic feel. Follow-up "For Reasons" moves to a more rocking sound with infectious, choppy rhythms thanks to acrobatic drumming, but with vocals not far off from Eddie Vedder's gentler numbers. The occasional, and welcome, electric flair is still present, and the overall feel-good vibes induce a smile and toe-tapping with ease. The sound takes a turn towards more punky americana with "Next Big Election", where a touch of 10% Reptile shines through with a slight sneer and urgency, though the vocal-driven melodies keep the flow easy and smooth. Final cut "Imitation" closes the EP with a bouncing beat that really allows the kitwork to shine, crisp and snappy while leading the biggest-sounding vocals yet, a satisfying and grooving conclusion to the energy built across the four tracks. Accomplished and creative in their sound and use of influences, Glass Steigal have created an impressive debut on the acoustic side of the rock spectrum, one that captures your attention and hints at a sound whose growth is rife with possibilities.

(Written by Shasta Beast)

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10% Reptile - The Big Boycott

 

 

10% Reptile - The Big Boycott
Self released - February 2021
Stoner, post punk, garage
Rated: *****

Four piece 10% Reptile hail from New York, New York, and on their debut album "The Big Boycott" deliver an inventive and wholly unique take on stoner rock. Politically charged and wearing their hearts on their sleeves, the crew kick things off with opener "Point Fingers". The stripped down, bouncy intro of guitar and snappy drums has an off kilter vibe, tied together with earnestly disaffected vocals. Soon enough the fuzz gets cranked up, and the stoner side of the band is bared, crunchy stop-start riffs chugging along with a touch of harsher noise rock. A garagey, Talking Heads-esque outro finishes off the track, transitioning sharply into follow-up "Long Lasting Parade" with its thudding, chunky guitar and dense low end. While the stomping riff is repeated, guitar leads snake in and out with fiery licks, calling to mind Red Fang while the drums pulse and push forward. The third track and highlight cut is "Army Ants", in which the band goes full Gang of Four. Jumpy, wiry guitar and noisy chords cut a mean groove, and the bright post-punk sound pairs beautifully with the meatier distortion. Taking the groove to a whole new level, however, is "Vote For Yourself", laying down big band swing with pounding drums and growling bass amid sinister, punchy riffs. Final cut "Laughing" brings it all home with a choppy, insidious lick locking the beat in before exploding in a blown out wall of noise. 10% Reptile have delivered one of the most unique and refreshing heavy rock albums in recent memory, spicing up the stoner sound we know and love with jolts of post-punk and a snappy garage rock attitude.

(Written by Shastabeast)

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