By Ed Dyer
A handful of incendiary live shows and a couple of teased promo videos is all we have had from this outfit so far. However, it has been more than enough to whet the appetite for this debut album release for a band rising from the ashes of well-regarded group SoAmI and that features on drums no lesser a musician than Lee Moulding, son of XTC’s Colin. Pedigree indeed.
The wait has certainly been worth it, as the four-piece have produced what I feel will certainly prove to be one of the stand out releases of the year – and not just locally.
Drawing influence from a myriad of rock-based sources, this is sure to tick boxes with fans of alt-rock in general, but especially if the big, riff driven output of the likes of Stoner / Desert Rock titans Kyuss and QOTSA, Clutch, Monster Magnet or Paw is your thing.
It is the monstrous riffage and pounding rhythms that grabs you by the proverbial balls at first, but with vocal melodies that Dave G and his merry band of Foo Fighters would be happy to unleash upon the world there is further wizardry at work that makes this instantly accessible and immediately sing-along-able.
There is not a weak moment here, and it is hard to pick a standout moment too, it is all of such a high standard, although I do have a soft spot for live favourite Money to Burn and its serious ability to get your head nodding and fist pumping.
Production is equally big – you feel like you are stood in the middle of the band at times. It is well judged - full, lush but not over complicated.