What a great
week at camp we had. Just as Summer solstice slams us with record heat, the
camp treasure chest opens its casket to uncover a rare combination of quality
gems. I left town last Thursday for a family trip (camping outside of bandcamp)
with limited cell reception and got bits and pieces of what others were raving
about. I was overwhelmed with intense listening pleasure upon my return and
present below for those who don’t already know.
Elara – Deli Bal Although this one wasn’t released while I was away, my long awaited vinyl I ordered weeks back was waiting for me at the door. This thing is something special. Not only is the artwork spectacular but the overall aura of the album will sweep you off your feet. It will likely end up in my top albums of the year listings if nothing changes. I'm with Sludgeburner on this one. Top shelf progressive heavy psych rock. Elder is a great comparative band if you need to know before pushing play. Super melodic progressive rock, clean vocals, instrumentally expansive song structure with an overwhelming impression on all fronts. It would be foolish not to place these guys in the same regard as some of the other heavy hitters of the style such as Elder. “Sludgeburner Elara are in the psych rock elite”
Nekromant – Snakes and Liars We here at the Ripple Effect were huge supporters of Serpent, which was the band’s previous moniker. Neckromant pick right off where the Serpent slivered from. Boy is this one cracker of an album. I foresee a big future ahead for these guys. We are all watching close as you all should be as well. Serpent have shed their snake skin revealing a debut full length in new form as Nekromant. It's no lie, this album maintains the metallic luster the band is known for casting, and continues on the saga of proto-drenched doom vocals forged by heavy metal riffs, brooding solos and pile driving rhythm.
Gravy Jones – Funeral Pyre So this one came kind of out of nowhere. The name is definitely an eye catcher and the sound is even catchier. Catchy if you like heavy occult organ driven madness. Gravy Jones will have you jonesing for some biscuits in no time. Gravy Jones serves up a psychotic platter of organ driven doom. The garage inspired riffs ooze with psychedelic effect as the organ entombs us with jangly punk meets tripped out doom.
Egypt – Cracks and Lines Egypt may or may not need much of an introduction. Hailing from Fargo, North Dakota they have also released new material just this week. The album is a great mixture of hard edged blues in the tone of epic sludge-soaked rock and roll. Vinyl coming at us soon the 5-song set is no slouch. Clocking in well long enough to slather 2 sides of a 12 inch disc with blistering doom.
Sasquatch – Maneuvers Who here wasn’t excited to find out of a new Sasquatch release? Well earlier this week was the big day as Sasquatch unleashed the brand new self-released album to the masses. Holy god damn shit this thing blew my mind from the first riff to the last. Perhaps their greatest effort yet sitting at album #5, not many bands can claim to have 5 excellent albums under their belt. Sasquatch have not reinvented the wheel nor fixed the sounds there fans have all grown to love. In fact Sasquatch just piled on more riffs and a second helping of groove shoving them straight to the top of the album charts in the heavy underground. No doubt Sasquatch will be one of the year’s favorites in the genre. Snag a vinyl copy while you still can. Sasquatch successfully maneuvers its way through a perilous flat spin of grandiose fuzz. Powered by progressive stoner distortia and state of the art vocal delivery, the bearded beast of the desert engages its target and deploys a massive assault of absolute riffage.
This edition may intimidate some due to its magnificent strength, but take that with a grain of hops and slam some beers to sooth the rays of the summer sun. Or like me, slam a couple sparkling ice waters (I went sober) and crank the volume up to maximum ventilation. It’s getting hot outside and the music is about to break the circuit boards with a wave of fiery groove.
-The Huntsman
