By Monk and The Dark Queen
Norwegian self-styled “tundra rock” exponents Slomosa are definitely on an exponential upward growth curve as demonstrated by the fact that the last, and only previous time, they played this particular corner of the Überverse it was to about two dozen people but tonight loudly and proudly displays the “SOLD OUT” signs. OK, last time around they went on stage at something like 6:15 on a Monday night as openers on a three-band bill, and this is a Saturday headliner… but, I think my point is still valid, as their transcendence in the interim has been nothing short of phenomenal, as tonight’s show proves.
When this stopover was first announced I could think of no more appropriate support act than our very own purveyors of “thunder rock”, Skypilot – and, as if by magic, here they are, wasting no time laying down their deep, hefty riffs in their archetypal laconic style.
Their dense, bass-driven sound, accentuated by stabbing guitar interjections, punchy percussion and sparse but incisive vocals all serve to emphasize the trio’s “less is more” approach that has helped to make them such a sonic force. They thump, grump, bump and grunt their way through a set that is sludgier than the nearby river bed but at the same time as uplifting as a ride on a forklift truck, their deftly light touches of elegance piercing through the dense dankness of their overall sound. Another precise and incisive set from the Doagh dynamos.
The inexorable growth of our headliners is exemplified by the persistent queue at their merch table, which surpasses even that at the bar to the extent that it’s hard to tell which line is which as they wind through and around one another. That changes, of course, when the Norwegians take the stage, as everyone crams into the stagefront area to let the experience that is to come embrace them to the fullest of the collective emotions.
Slowly building the atmosphere to a practical fever pitch, Slomosa deliver an enthralling, densely dynamic performance that is simultaneously ice cold and red hot, chilled and fiery in equal measure as their laid-back attitude transforms into an absolutely incendiary performance of psychedelic perfection.
Their massive melodies are underpinned by bossy and a grunting low-end growl, the huge, rich sound augmenting every aspect of what is truly a delightful aural experience, highlighted by the fact that the absolutely rammed room is singing virtually every word back at the musicians, especially on the likes of ‘Red Thundra’, which threatens to shake the rafters so violently that the offices upstairs could collapse onto the dancefloor.
A stunning set in every respect, and equal respect to the band for working so hard to get to this point in time… if they keep on growing at this rate, the next time they’re passing through this corner of the Überverse they’ll be playing the arena on the other side of the river…
- The tour continues:
- Photos © The Dark Queen/Über Rock.
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