This Canadian band is onto something. Or perhaps they are on something. Both sentiments are valid here. They play a crazed chaotic take on doom. This could also be called psychedelic. But all too often using those terms makes it sound like everything is a carefree fun time on drugs. That is not the trip this album is on. Which caught my ear and made me want to write about it. This project is four albums into their career so know where they want to head. The second song finds them coming to their senses and writing an alternative rock song that shares a great deal of common ground with the Melvins. It is an influence you may or may not be able to unhear, as it carries over into "Icy Ground". It is moodier and more subtle and keeps its brooding at bay as if heavily medicated.
There is more rock n roll swagger to "Arjuna's Hunting Hand". They kick into things with burlier grit for "Lowdown Animal". I like the raw attack of this song, combined with the anxious plea of the vocals. Often they wander into angular passages that would have felt like noise rock if these guys were not as moody as they are. Lyrically they are darker than they are sonically. Things get gritty and tense not unlike Jesus Lizard. There is a darker groove for "Burrowing Down the Spine". It creeps more like an older Tool song but without the metal.
"Pin Prick" has a more metal attack with its sharp riffing. However, this is also not unlike something the Melvins might do. "Immovable" is darker and more melodic. It pulses with a creepy vibe, with heavier guitars mixed as a pulse in the back. The heavier riff the song builds into reminds me a little of older Soundgarden. I appreciate the gradual build-up of intensity. "Hammer Comes Down" is a little more Tool, though I am referring to when Tool used to rock out rather than being pondering prog machines. This is a very solid album, I appreciate what is being done here, and recommend if you are looking for a hybrid of noise rock and stoner rock. I will give this one an 8.5.
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