Considering I hadn’t even heard of these guys prior to last year’s HRH Doom vs Stoner festival, where not only did I end up hunting them down for an interview after their set, but they made it as my band of the day for it against the likes of Orange Goblin, no easy feat in itself. Bearing this in mind, it’s fair to say they definitely made a fan of me on the day. Now that they are growing in recognition, though, would they stick with what they have or twist to some sort of degree and keep the band evolving? There was only one way to find out!
Well, the heaviness has definitely been turned up, that’s for sure. After their performance previously had left me with very much a Kyuss feel desert rock, there has definitely been an evolution of sound, though not to the kind of degree that would alienate any of the fan base they are already rapidly building up. There is certainly more of an early Black Sabbath edge to this than previously, though still with the Kyuss overall feel that they do so well, something perfectly demonstrated by the second track ‘10,000 Volts’, which sounds like Kyuss emulating Black Sabbath’s ‘Hand of Doom’ and one that will immediately leave you headbanging through no conscious decision of your own.
This isn’t the only theme I get from this, though, with ‘Blow’ coming across in a similar vein to Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats’ ‘Death’s Door’, showing that the band have a definite love of both the genre and the bands still coming to more recognition in it, a level of genuineness that I personally love to see from bands, especially in the more niche genres such as the stoner and desert rock genres. ‘Star’ feels like you’re being taken on a Hawkwind ‘Kings of Speed’ era roadtrip… well, space trip, around the galaxy for a quick jaunt, as their space rock side forces its way to the fore, showing another impressive string to their musical bow and another that they create more than adequately.
We have four-minute tracks through to nine-and-a-half minute epics – and I am only just getting to the singles that have been released so far – in a release that seems to encompass both a relaxed feel with a sense of urgency put in to pick up the pace in a well-delivered style when they desire, such as shown in ‘Edge of the Universe’. Taking us to the other end of their scale, we have ‘Resin’, which is as melodious and laid back as ‘Star’ and ‘Edge of the Universe’ are uptempo, without ever getting into your face with it. It’s actually of real credit to the Yorkshire guys that even at such an early stage of the band’s career that they are willing to show different sides to their songwriting approach when they are already building a very good reputation for themselves previously.
This is an excellent release from a talented group of guys with a genuine passion for the music they are creating as well as for the genres they inhabit. There is clearly a lot of musical talent throughout and the mastering has been done as sympathetically to their live sound as possible, which stands them in great stead also, as they absolutely smash it up live. Whether you’re already a fan of this up and coming act or a fan of Black Sabbath, Hawkwind, or somewhere between, there will be something in here that you will like. Get it in your ears and do yourself a favour – your future self will thank you for it gratefully.
- ‘Venus Skytrip’ is released on Friday (21 August). You can get your copy HERE.
- All content © Über Rock. Not to be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of Über Rock.