Chicago Sludge Rock

Feb. 24, 2017

 

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The Pitch: Chicago band combines 90's Helmet with sludge and noise to bring you some worthwhile alternative music.

What I Like: Grungy, dirty, 90's vibe with some crunchy riffs and plenty of attitude.  The production fits the music well and contributes to the grittiness.  But what I love more than the hooks or no-nonsense vocals are the drums.  These beats are the driving force of much of the record.  From the opening of "Coriander," they are a pummeling torrent that never breaks for any shore.

What I Don't Like: Inconsistent.  While I like the use of female vocals to change things up and feel she has a good voice, the songwriting and choices in melody on a few of these tracks puts me off.  I think they still contribute to a varied flow on the album, but this is also accomplished on the better, more sludgy songs.

The Verdict: I'm always happy to hear fellow Chicagoans bring back sounds from what I feel was one of the best periods for metal and rock music aside from the 70's.  While they could tighten up some of their songwriting, I found this to be a pleasant outing that took me to different places than most of what I am listening to right now.

Flight's Fav's: Coriander, Locust, Night Light