November is Doom - Gozu : "Remedy"

 I was wondering before I pressed play what this band did to get signed on Metal Blade Records. The answer is to write vocal-oriented songs that stand out from the pack. The vocal harmonies recall Alice in Chains, while the guitars have more of a Black Label Society grit to them The drums to the second song are a little more hammering. Things back off into a more Sabbath-like groove for the verses. The manner the vocals fall brings Corrosion of Conformity to mind. Not as catchy as the first song, but still effective."Rambo 2" has more momentum in its full-speed charge ahead that feels a little like Mastodon to me. When they slow down and groove more the band is playing to their strengths. 

"Joe Don Baker" is more metal, but it also just proves to be all-around more effective in all aspects of what this band does. "Pillow Talk' feels less focused with the vocals serving as more of a chorus rising lightly behind the guitar and only a few forceful accents from the more belted vocal to contrast it. This album's song titles are ridiculous as evident with "The Magnificent Muarco" who is wrestling from the 80s and I can not imagine these lyrics are about him. It moves at a more bong-laden shuffle. There is more of a Clutch influence to his. However, when he goes up into his head register there is more of a Queens of the Stoneage feel. 

There is a more deliberate doom feel with "Ben Gazzara Loves No One". The soulful vocals continue to be a fitting juxtaposition to the crunch of the guitar without getting into cheesy beer rock territory. The stomp of "Ash" makes for one of the album's most effective riffs, which gives way to a more atmospheric verse of sorts. He goes back into his more Josh Homme-like voice. He continues in this style of singing going into the last song, as the heaviest riff contrasts the lightest singing, Though he ends up belting it out again. To their credit, they keep things pretty dynamic.  I will give this album a 9, perhaps their influences are worn on their sleeves, but it all comes together better than most, riding a middle ground that is neglected in heavy music these days.