Citing influences ranging from AC/DC to Queens Of The Stone Age, Cosmic Down Plan from Berlin, Germany create an interesting blend of Experimental Riff Rock. Check'em out!
MySpace
Welcome To Heavy Planet!
If you are looking for new Stoner Rock, Doom, Heavy Psych or Sludge Metal bands, then you have come to the right place.
Heavy Planet has been providing free promotion to independent and unsigned bands since 2008. Find your next favorite band at Heavy Planet.
Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monsters Of Doom!
Here is a great blog for you guys to check out. It is called Monsters of Doom (love the name) and features articles on Horror movies and Doom metal bands.
http://monstersofdoom.blogspot.com/
Very cool shit!
Now that I am back from vacation, I got some great new bands and music for you guys to hear. I'm a little exhausted right now so I'm gonna go chill to the Monday Night Football game. Stay tuned til tomorrow. Peace!
http://monstersofdoom.blogspot.com/
Very cool shit!
Now that I am back from vacation, I got some great new bands and music for you guys to hear. I'm a little exhausted right now so I'm gonna go chill to the Monday Night Football game. Stay tuned til tomorrow. Peace!
Labels:
blog,
Monsters of Doom
Monday, September 21, 2009
NEW FU MANCHU SONG "BIONIC ASTRONAUTICS" POSTED ONLINE
Southern California's heavy fuzz rock legends FU MANCHU have completed work on their eleventh full length album. The electrifying group will drop Signs of Infinite Power on October 20, 2009 via Century Media Records.
A sneak peak at what Signs of Infinite Power holds in store can be experienced today as the new FU MANCHU song “Bionic Astronautics” has been posted online courtesy of AOL Music’s “NoiseCreep”. Check out the action now at this location. A 30 second “teaser” clip for the new album has also been posted to the band’s newly refashioned MySpace page.
Recorded at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California by the band and producer Sergio Chavez (Motörhead, Helmet) and mixed by Andrew Alekel (Foo Fighters, Danzig), Signs of Infinite Power could well be dubbed “a reawakening” of FU MANCHU as the record delivers monstrous doses of the group’s punk energy, hard rock drive and psychedelic crunch in spades. From the instant the album’s lead track “Bionic Astronautics” soars from the speakers, it is undeniably evident that FU MANCHU is as primed and hungry as ever before. The record holds the sound of a band rocking purely for the sheer joy of rocking; amps cranked to 11 and revved to maximum overdrive.
The final track listing for Signs of Infinite Power is as follows:
01.) Bionic Astronautics
02.) Steel.Beast.Defeated
03.) Against the Ground
04.) Webfoot Witch Hat
05.) El Busta
06.) Signs of Infinite Power
07.) Eyes x 10
08.) Gargantuan March
09.) Take It Away
10.) One Step Too Far
I'm going to Disney World, talk to you guys next week!
A sneak peak at what Signs of Infinite Power holds in store can be experienced today as the new FU MANCHU song “Bionic Astronautics” has been posted online courtesy of AOL Music’s “NoiseCreep”. Check out the action now at this location. A 30 second “teaser” clip for the new album has also been posted to the band’s newly refashioned MySpace page.
Recorded at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California by the band and producer Sergio Chavez (Motörhead, Helmet) and mixed by Andrew Alekel (Foo Fighters, Danzig), Signs of Infinite Power could well be dubbed “a reawakening” of FU MANCHU as the record delivers monstrous doses of the group’s punk energy, hard rock drive and psychedelic crunch in spades. From the instant the album’s lead track “Bionic Astronautics” soars from the speakers, it is undeniably evident that FU MANCHU is as primed and hungry as ever before. The record holds the sound of a band rocking purely for the sheer joy of rocking; amps cranked to 11 and revved to maximum overdrive.
The final track listing for Signs of Infinite Power is as follows:
01.) Bionic Astronautics
02.) Steel.Beast.Defeated
03.) Against the Ground
04.) Webfoot Witch Hat
05.) El Busta
06.) Signs of Infinite Power
07.) Eyes x 10
08.) Gargantuan March
09.) Take It Away
10.) One Step Too Far
I'm going to Disney World, talk to you guys next week!
Labels:
BIONIC ASTRONAUTICS,
Fu Manchu,
new album,
new song
Saturday, September 19, 2009
New Band To Burn One To-Spider Scorpion
Thursday, September 17, 2009
New Band To Burn One To-Grifter
The "New Band To Burn One To" today is Grifter.
Most people think Grifter are from West Virginia or somewhere like that, but they are actually from Devon on the south west coast of the UK. Their main influences are old 70's stuff like Sabbath, Cactus, Mountain, Captain Beyond, Lynyrd Skynyrd (actually their drummer hates them!!!), Grand Funk, Led Zeppelin...etc. and a few of the current bands like Clutch and Scissorfight.
In 2005 they released their first demo, "Elephantine".
In 2006 they signed up with Fury 76 Records (run by Scruff of crust/thrash band Hellb*stard) and in 2008 released their EP "High Unholy Mighty Rollin'"
In 2008 they also hooked up with Catacomb Records after one of their tracks "Slow Boy" appeared on a compilation they released called "The Sound of the Catacombs".
Their new EP "The Simplicity of the Riff is Key" (Review)is all mixed, mastered and ready to go, so be on the lookout for that sometime soon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Live version of "Young Blood, Old Veins" recorded at Tiggas Bar, Exeter 03/10/08
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more info on this killer band check out these sites:
MySpace
Last.fm
This is one of those bands that once you hear you just can't get enough of. I am truly diggin' this shit and hope you guys do too.
Most people think Grifter are from West Virginia or somewhere like that, but they are actually from Devon on the south west coast of the UK. Their main influences are old 70's stuff like Sabbath, Cactus, Mountain, Captain Beyond, Lynyrd Skynyrd (actually their drummer hates them!!!), Grand Funk, Led Zeppelin...etc. and a few of the current bands like Clutch and Scissorfight.
In 2005 they released their first demo, "Elephantine".
In 2006 they signed up with Fury 76 Records (run by Scruff of crust/thrash band Hellb*stard) and in 2008 released their EP "High Unholy Mighty Rollin'"
In 2008 they also hooked up with Catacomb Records after one of their tracks "Slow Boy" appeared on a compilation they released called "The Sound of the Catacombs".
Their new EP "The Simplicity of the Riff is Key" (Review)is all mixed, mastered and ready to go, so be on the lookout for that sometime soon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Live version of "Young Blood, Old Veins" recorded at Tiggas Bar, Exeter 03/10/08
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more info on this killer band check out these sites:
MySpace
Last.fm
This is one of those bands that once you hear you just can't get enough of. I am truly diggin' this shit and hope you guys do too.
Labels:
Grifter,
New Band To Burn One To
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
FU MANCHU ANNOUNCES FALL, 2009 U.S. HEADLINING TOUR IN SUPPORT OF IMPENDING NEW ALBUM “SIGNS OF INFINITE POWER”
Southern California's heavy fuzz rock legends FU MANCHU have completed work on their eleventh full length album. The electrifying group will drop Signs of Infinite Power on October 20, 2009 via Century Media Records.
On the day of the record’s release, FU MANCHU will launch the first leg of its U.S. “Signs of Infinite Power” headlining tour. The scheduled 3 week trek will launch on October 20 in San Jose, CA. Support on the FU MANCHU tour will be provided by North Carolina’s ASG and the Los Angeles duo It’s Casual. The band is expected to announce a separate, second U.S. leg imminently. A full listing of upcoming FU MANCHU tour dates follows this message.
Recorded at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California by the band and producer Sergio Chavez (Motörhead, Helmet) and mixed by Andrew Alekel (Foo Fighters, Danzig), Signs of Infinite Power could well be dubbed “a reawakening” of FU MANCHU as the record delivers monstrous doses of the group’s punk energy, hard rock drive and psychedelic crunch in spades. From the instant the album’s lead track “Bionic Astronautics” soars from the speakers, it is undeniably evident that FU MANCHU is as primed and hungry as ever before. The record holds the sound of a band rocking purely for the sheer joy of rocking; amps cranked to 11 and revved to maximum overdrive.
Originally formed in 1985 as a Black Flag-influenced hardcore punk band called Virulence, FU MANCHU has since become one of hard rock’s most celebrated names. The band released its first single “Kept Between Trees” in 1990 and in the years following, helped give rise to a celebrated style of heavy music tagged “stoner rock” alongside peers such as Kyuss, Monster Magnet and Sleep. Since its inception, the quartet has built itself a fanatical army of loyal enthusiasts all drawn to the group’s ridiculously catchy, unpretentious music, guitar-driven sound and carefree lyrics centered on "old muscle cars, choppers, vans, skateboarding and science fiction."
The final track listing for Signs of Infinite Power is as follows:
01.) Bionic Astronautics
02.) Steel.Beast.Defeated
03.) Against the Ground
04.) Webfoot Witch Hat
05.) El Busta
06.) Signs of Infinite Power
07.) Eyes x 10
08.) Gargantuan March
09.) Take It Away
10.) One Step Too Far
“We’re stoked to unleash “Signs of Infinite Power,” states FU MANCHU front man / guitarist Scott Hill. “We can’t believe that we’re going into our twentieth year as a band. The excitement and energy levels that we’re feeling right now are as high as they’ve ever been.”
On the fall trek, FU MANCHU will have a special tour-only 7” record available for fans. Strictly limited to 1,000 copies, the 7" vinyl EP will contain the brand new single "Bionic Astronautics" b/w a cover of the early 80's punk band JFA’s "Beach Blanket Bongout". This 7” will be the second release on the band's own At The Dojo Records.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, FU MANCHU has a number of very special events planned for 2010. The band will unveil a host of plans that include rolling out both one-of-a-kind live events and extra special vinyl releases. Additionally, the Virulence (pre-FU MANCHU) recordings will be remastered and packaged with the band’s “1985-87 demos” and both live songs and video footage from 1987-89 under the title “If This Isn't A Dream…1985-1989”. The package will be made available on both CD and LP and is slated for a winter 2009 release via Southern Lord Records.
In addition to Hill, FU MANCHU features guitarist Bob Balch, bassist Brad Davis and drummer Scott Reeder.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FU MANCHU tour dates:
U.S. “Signs of Infinite Power” Tour
October 20 San Jose, CA The Blank Club
October 21 San Francisco, CA Bottom Of The Hill
October 23 Portland, OR Dante's
October 24 Seattle, WA Neumo's
October 26 Salt Lake City, UT Club Vegas
October 28 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
October 30 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock
October 31 Chicago, IL Double Door
November 2 Lawrence, KS Jackpot
November 4 Dallas, TX The Door
November 5 Houston, TX Red Room
November 6 Austin, TX Red Seven
November 8 Albuquerque, NM Launch Pad
November 11 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour
On the day of the record’s release, FU MANCHU will launch the first leg of its U.S. “Signs of Infinite Power” headlining tour. The scheduled 3 week trek will launch on October 20 in San Jose, CA. Support on the FU MANCHU tour will be provided by North Carolina’s ASG and the Los Angeles duo It’s Casual. The band is expected to announce a separate, second U.S. leg imminently. A full listing of upcoming FU MANCHU tour dates follows this message.
Recorded at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California by the band and producer Sergio Chavez (Motörhead, Helmet) and mixed by Andrew Alekel (Foo Fighters, Danzig), Signs of Infinite Power could well be dubbed “a reawakening” of FU MANCHU as the record delivers monstrous doses of the group’s punk energy, hard rock drive and psychedelic crunch in spades. From the instant the album’s lead track “Bionic Astronautics” soars from the speakers, it is undeniably evident that FU MANCHU is as primed and hungry as ever before. The record holds the sound of a band rocking purely for the sheer joy of rocking; amps cranked to 11 and revved to maximum overdrive.
Originally formed in 1985 as a Black Flag-influenced hardcore punk band called Virulence, FU MANCHU has since become one of hard rock’s most celebrated names. The band released its first single “Kept Between Trees” in 1990 and in the years following, helped give rise to a celebrated style of heavy music tagged “stoner rock” alongside peers such as Kyuss, Monster Magnet and Sleep. Since its inception, the quartet has built itself a fanatical army of loyal enthusiasts all drawn to the group’s ridiculously catchy, unpretentious music, guitar-driven sound and carefree lyrics centered on "old muscle cars, choppers, vans, skateboarding and science fiction."
The final track listing for Signs of Infinite Power is as follows:
01.) Bionic Astronautics
02.) Steel.Beast.Defeated
03.) Against the Ground
04.) Webfoot Witch Hat
05.) El Busta
06.) Signs of Infinite Power
07.) Eyes x 10
08.) Gargantuan March
09.) Take It Away
10.) One Step Too Far
“We’re stoked to unleash “Signs of Infinite Power,” states FU MANCHU front man / guitarist Scott Hill. “We can’t believe that we’re going into our twentieth year as a band. The excitement and energy levels that we’re feeling right now are as high as they’ve ever been.”
On the fall trek, FU MANCHU will have a special tour-only 7” record available for fans. Strictly limited to 1,000 copies, the 7" vinyl EP will contain the brand new single "Bionic Astronautics" b/w a cover of the early 80's punk band JFA’s "Beach Blanket Bongout". This 7” will be the second release on the band's own At The Dojo Records.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, FU MANCHU has a number of very special events planned for 2010. The band will unveil a host of plans that include rolling out both one-of-a-kind live events and extra special vinyl releases. Additionally, the Virulence (pre-FU MANCHU) recordings will be remastered and packaged with the band’s “1985-87 demos” and both live songs and video footage from 1987-89 under the title “If This Isn't A Dream…1985-1989”. The package will be made available on both CD and LP and is slated for a winter 2009 release via Southern Lord Records.
In addition to Hill, FU MANCHU features guitarist Bob Balch, bassist Brad Davis and drummer Scott Reeder.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FU MANCHU tour dates:
U.S. “Signs of Infinite Power” Tour
October 20 San Jose, CA The Blank Club
October 21 San Francisco, CA Bottom Of The Hill
October 23 Portland, OR Dante's
October 24 Seattle, WA Neumo's
October 26 Salt Lake City, UT Club Vegas
October 28 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
October 30 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock
October 31 Chicago, IL Double Door
November 2 Lawrence, KS Jackpot
November 4 Dallas, TX The Door
November 5 Houston, TX Red Room
November 6 Austin, TX Red Seven
November 8 Albuquerque, NM Launch Pad
November 11 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour
Labels:
Fu Manchu,
new album,
Signs Of Infinite Power,
tour dates
Album Of The Week-Lionize-"Space Pope And The Glass Machine" (2008)
The Album Of The Week is "Space Pope And The Glass Machine" by Lionize.
"Hailing from Silver Spring, MD, Lionize has set out to play music from the heart, the result a distinct sound in reggae and rock. By blending an organ and groove-heavy stoner rock sound with a deep bass and sharp skanking exploration of pulsating, dark reggae, Lionize adds a fresh spin on an old genre."
Current Lineup:
Henry Upton - Bass / Vox
Nate Bergman - Guitar / Vox
Mel Randolph - Drums
Chris Brooks - Keys / Vox
Tim Sult (Clutch)- Lead Guitar
Review:
"Awesome concoction of Stoner Rock/Funk/Reggae featuring the guitar talents of Tim Sult from Clutch. Think Burning Spear meets Black Sabbath. Standout tracks include "Strange", "Fish Eyes and Voodoo", and "Dollar From a Dime". The band also offers up an interesting cover of Bad Brains "I and I Survive". Great live band, catch them on tour with Clutch and Wino" -Anonymous
Track Listing:
01. Space Pope and the Glass Machine
02. Remedy
03. Strange
04. Bugs
05. Holy Rollers
06. Northeast Kingdom
07. Good Day
08. Dollar From a Dime
09. Fish Eyes and Voodoo
10. Mike Moss
11. Next Big Thing
12. Mechanical Rhythm of Tyrants, The
13. I and I Survive
Official Website
MySpace
Listen
"Hailing from Silver Spring, MD, Lionize has set out to play music from the heart, the result a distinct sound in reggae and rock. By blending an organ and groove-heavy stoner rock sound with a deep bass and sharp skanking exploration of pulsating, dark reggae, Lionize adds a fresh spin on an old genre."
Current Lineup:
Henry Upton - Bass / Vox
Nate Bergman - Guitar / Vox
Mel Randolph - Drums
Chris Brooks - Keys / Vox
Tim Sult (Clutch)- Lead Guitar
Review:
"Awesome concoction of Stoner Rock/Funk/Reggae featuring the guitar talents of Tim Sult from Clutch. Think Burning Spear meets Black Sabbath. Standout tracks include "Strange", "Fish Eyes and Voodoo", and "Dollar From a Dime". The band also offers up an interesting cover of Bad Brains "I and I Survive". Great live band, catch them on tour with Clutch and Wino" -Anonymous
Track Listing:
01. Space Pope and the Glass Machine
02. Remedy
03. Strange
04. Bugs
05. Holy Rollers
06. Northeast Kingdom
07. Good Day
08. Dollar From a Dime
09. Fish Eyes and Voodoo
10. Mike Moss
11. Next Big Thing
12. Mechanical Rhythm of Tyrants, The
13. I and I Survive
Official Website
MySpace
Listen
Labels:
Clutch,
Lionize,
review,
Space Pope And The Glass Machine,
Tim Sult
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fantasy Football VS. Stoner Rock
With the start of the NFL season, my other passion has diverted my attention from posting on the blog. I am a huge football fan, especially of the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. I have also been playing fantasy football for this being my 20th anniversary season. Thanks to Drew Brees's 6 freakin TD passes things didn't go quite the way I had planned. Anyways, I have been neglecting the blog as of late and that is the reason why. Next week I will be on vacation at Disneyworld with my wife, so there will be no postings. I have a ton of new bands for you guys to check out as well as a few other cool things. If anyone out there would like to contribute their time to possibly reviewing some of these bands I would greatly appreciate your efforts. Unfortunately I can't afford to pay you (although if more people would click my Google ads I probably could), I can possibly offer up some free shit of some kind. Here is what the schedule looks like for the rest of the week:
Wednesday-Album Of The Week
Thursday-New Band To Burn One To
Saturday-New Band To Burn One To
Thanks for visiting Heavy Planet!!
Wednesday-Album Of The Week
Thursday-New Band To Burn One To
Saturday-New Band To Burn One To
Thanks for visiting Heavy Planet!!
Labels:
fantasy football,
Stoner Rock
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Clutch Set List Pittsburgh 9/9/9
I know the headline is a little misleading, but I just got home from the show and it was nothing short of amazing, but I need your help. If any of you know how I can get hold of the set list for that show it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Labels:
Clutch,
Pittsburgh,
setlist
Monday, September 7, 2009
New Band To Burn One To-Big Rock Candy Mountain
The New Band To Burn One To is New Orleans' very own Big Rock Candy Mountain.
"Big Rock Candy Mountain… a song about the sweeter things in life for the down and out. The concept that a land filled with your uttermost desires is what is considered paradise. Big Rock Candy Mountain...a band that takes this concept and translates it into their own paradise of fuzzy guitars, square-waved keyboards, cavity inducing harmonies, distorted bass-lines, and four on the floor drum beats. Creating the foundation of what they consider fun, euphoric, and loud, BRCM’s goal is to share this utopia to the masses. With their debut EP, "Hey Kid", being released Sept 22nd, BRCM draws the powers of rock bands and other celestial entities such as Led Zeppelin, black holes, Daft Punk, Death Cab for Cutie, Queens of the Stoneage, the big bang, and banging in general... As the great provider says, stay tuned for more touring, and more rambunctiousness."
As some girl put it, "it's like Queens of the Stone Age meets the Beach Boys with synthesizers."
Buy new EP here.
MySpace
Official Website
"Big Rock Candy Mountain… a song about the sweeter things in life for the down and out. The concept that a land filled with your uttermost desires is what is considered paradise. Big Rock Candy Mountain...a band that takes this concept and translates it into their own paradise of fuzzy guitars, square-waved keyboards, cavity inducing harmonies, distorted bass-lines, and four on the floor drum beats. Creating the foundation of what they consider fun, euphoric, and loud, BRCM’s goal is to share this utopia to the masses. With their debut EP, "Hey Kid", being released Sept 22nd, BRCM draws the powers of rock bands and other celestial entities such as Led Zeppelin, black holes, Daft Punk, Death Cab for Cutie, Queens of the Stoneage, the big bang, and banging in general... As the great provider says, stay tuned for more touring, and more rambunctiousness."
As some girl put it, "it's like Queens of the Stone Age meets the Beach Boys with synthesizers."
Buy new EP here.
MySpace
Official Website
New Don Fernando Video For "Release Me Now"
Here is the new video and tour dates for Don Fernando.
9.24.09 The Evelyn Hotel - Acoustic Duo action with Dead River Deeps
9.25.09 THE ESPY Gershwin Room, Free to Run EP Launch
10.02.09 The Pony with WINTERUN
10.08.09 Espy Front Bar w /Cockfight Shootout and Numbers Radio (Launch)
9.24.09 The Evelyn Hotel - Acoustic Duo action with Dead River Deeps
9.25.09 THE ESPY Gershwin Room, Free to Run EP Launch
10.02.09 The Pony with WINTERUN
10.08.09 Espy Front Bar w /Cockfight Shootout and Numbers Radio (Launch)
Labels:
Brave New World,
Don Fernando,
video
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Album Of The Week-High Watt Electrocutions-"Desert Opuses" (2009)
The Album Of The Week is "Desert Opuses" by High Watt Electrocutions.
This album has a little bit of everything, citing influences such as Hawkwind, Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Spacemen 3, The God Machine, to newer bands such as High on Fire, Comets on Fire, Sunn O))), they also throw in a hint of Joy Division and Velvet Underground, as well as obscure classic rock such as Love and Thirteenth Floor Elevators. By their influences you get a good idea what High Watt Electrocutions sounds like. This album comes highly recommended. Read the reviews below, then go buy the album. You won't be disappointed!
Reviews:
"With an album named like that, what did they think we’d expect? I was ready to settle for a second rate uninspired session of some Kyuss worshipping fuckers. And I love Kyuss, but I’ve had more than my fill of knock offs. Who knows? Maybe that was the strategy behind High Watt Electrocutions; distract the listener, make him/her think of a specific sound, then shock him/her with something different and even, original. The surprise element is certainly refreshing. It works. Because what you get is dense, hypnotic, drug-addled madness. But there is none of that standard rock bullshit around here. For that, go listen to Alabama Thunderpussy or some shit…
Even though there are certain elements to Desert Opuses that will recall the tired nature of stoner rock, that sub genre as is widely recognized is too limiting to describe this. To get the commonalities behind, well, besides the album title we can cite certain fuzzy sound that’s inspired most of these guitars. So when Ryan Electrocution himself (the sole man behind this) says High Watt Electrocutions is inspired by Godflesh, Spacemen 3, Hawkwind, Black Sabbath, Spiritualized and the Stooges, he is coming clean. There is a bit of each all over Desert Opuses.
The fuzzy, furry guitars dose off forever. Despite the experimental and bold nature of this album, the tunes are compact and there is very little fucking around. The tunes have no beginning, middle, nor end. There are no ten-minute songs either. The riffs are not upfront, nor are the songs based around them. In fact, the most straight forward cut is opening cut “Mountains of the Pharoahs” with its bass heavy density and Kyuss-like background guitars. It’s far from a conventional song, but that’s as close as High Watt Electrocutions ever get to radio format.
The rest of Desert Opuses is spent weaving a much more delicate album. There is a strong ethnic vibe, “Ode to Snakecharming” sounds like something written by some Godflesh-influenced messianic guru from Egypt, while “Light at the Speed of Sound” would have fit nicely in a Velvet Underground record. There is that droney feeling to this, like the author is trying to hypnotize the listener, so the guitars draw wavy lines and sound like sitars. The bass is sparse and omnipresent, check out those fat strings in “Obliteration”; this is string-based psychedelia.
Desert Opuses is an absorbing listener. This is the type of album that takes time to make and more time to appreciate. I imagine some genius cult leader making music like this." (Deaf Sparrow, 4.5 out of 5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Since High Watt Electrocutions main man Ryan Settee prescribed a headphone listen in the liner notes, I broke out my dusty old pair and went for it as directed. Yes, I do everything liner notes tell me. It’s not a bad way to go through life. Beats religion, anyhow.
Sure enough, as Settee promised, a listen to Desert Opuses – the second release from the Winnipeg songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer under the High Watt Electrocutions moniker following 2007’s Night Songs – through even the dingiest of headphones proved that the tonal richness and layered density is best experienced at close range and ridiculous volume. The ringing guitars of “Slow March” that follow the distinctly Middle Eastern tones of “Ode to Snakecharming” feel like they could eat your head whole and launch you on some psychedelic journey into the rainbow colored belly of a giant lizard. Like a scene out of some acid cartoon. Like Queens of the Stone Age gone spiritual.
Desert Opuses delivers what the title offers, which might be its greatest accomplishment. Not being familiar with the landscape in Winnipeg, I’m assuming it’s not quite the same as Death Valley, but Settee (with a host of guests) harnesses a dune-climbing aesthetic that knows it’s best to travel by night. Layers of acoustic guitar, vocals, Moog and other noise shift in and out, producing a wash that is positively engulfing. Even on the instrumental “Obliteration,” which is one of Desert Opuses’ most down to earth moments, the vibe of moonlit psychedelia is palpable and one can dig a tunnel into the sound itself and come out somewhere different each time.
Of course, “Headphone Opus” is an appropriately rich listening experience that lends credibility to Settee’s liner notes suggestion and the feeling of just how well planned Desert Opuses was to begin with. A highlight of side B, Settee brings the bass up front and lets it ride shotgun for a big sky trip down the empty road ahead. Piano, keys, moaning vocals and more make it so that there’s so much life in the recording it’s hard to think of it as an homage to a place so desolate, but the affected musical ecosystem is nonetheless impeccably pulled off. The minor chords throughout keep a consistent exoticism and Middle Eastern spice in the sound, and even as “Tut Will Have His Revenge” launches into its noisy and chaotic finish, the overwhelming calmness is left unbothered. Settee fades into the riff-then-organ excursion “Evilution” and closes with three minutes of Moog and harmonica interplay on “Stripped Ruins.”
His pairing of elements gives Desert Opuses a fresh sound in an otherwise well-established genre, and while the album is mostly unconcerned with the traditional songwriting tactics to which much of desert rock strictly adheres, an engaging balance between high artistry and worldly tact is struck that remains unblemished no matter how far out Settee goes sonically. And to be fair, he goes pretty far out. Desert Opuses will have a sound too complex for some, but plenty of heads will find their minds willing to be expanded by its journeying tones and unfolding grandeur. Here’s to it." (JJ Koczan, StonerRock.com)
Track Listing:
01. Mountains of the Pharoahs
02. Ode to Snakecharming
03. Slow March
04. Light at the Speed of Sound
05. Obliteration
06. The Ruins of the Pyramids
07. Headphone Opus
08. Tut Will Have His Revenge
09. Evilution (Exclusive Track)
10. Stripped Ruins (Exclusive Track)
MySpace
Official Website
Listen at Last.fm
This album has a little bit of everything, citing influences such as Hawkwind, Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Spacemen 3, The God Machine, to newer bands such as High on Fire, Comets on Fire, Sunn O))), they also throw in a hint of Joy Division and Velvet Underground, as well as obscure classic rock such as Love and Thirteenth Floor Elevators. By their influences you get a good idea what High Watt Electrocutions sounds like. This album comes highly recommended. Read the reviews below, then go buy the album. You won't be disappointed!
Reviews:
"With an album named like that, what did they think we’d expect? I was ready to settle for a second rate uninspired session of some Kyuss worshipping fuckers. And I love Kyuss, but I’ve had more than my fill of knock offs. Who knows? Maybe that was the strategy behind High Watt Electrocutions; distract the listener, make him/her think of a specific sound, then shock him/her with something different and even, original. The surprise element is certainly refreshing. It works. Because what you get is dense, hypnotic, drug-addled madness. But there is none of that standard rock bullshit around here. For that, go listen to Alabama Thunderpussy or some shit…
Even though there are certain elements to Desert Opuses that will recall the tired nature of stoner rock, that sub genre as is widely recognized is too limiting to describe this. To get the commonalities behind, well, besides the album title we can cite certain fuzzy sound that’s inspired most of these guitars. So when Ryan Electrocution himself (the sole man behind this) says High Watt Electrocutions is inspired by Godflesh, Spacemen 3, Hawkwind, Black Sabbath, Spiritualized and the Stooges, he is coming clean. There is a bit of each all over Desert Opuses.
The fuzzy, furry guitars dose off forever. Despite the experimental and bold nature of this album, the tunes are compact and there is very little fucking around. The tunes have no beginning, middle, nor end. There are no ten-minute songs either. The riffs are not upfront, nor are the songs based around them. In fact, the most straight forward cut is opening cut “Mountains of the Pharoahs” with its bass heavy density and Kyuss-like background guitars. It’s far from a conventional song, but that’s as close as High Watt Electrocutions ever get to radio format.
The rest of Desert Opuses is spent weaving a much more delicate album. There is a strong ethnic vibe, “Ode to Snakecharming” sounds like something written by some Godflesh-influenced messianic guru from Egypt, while “Light at the Speed of Sound” would have fit nicely in a Velvet Underground record. There is that droney feeling to this, like the author is trying to hypnotize the listener, so the guitars draw wavy lines and sound like sitars. The bass is sparse and omnipresent, check out those fat strings in “Obliteration”; this is string-based psychedelia.
Desert Opuses is an absorbing listener. This is the type of album that takes time to make and more time to appreciate. I imagine some genius cult leader making music like this." (Deaf Sparrow, 4.5 out of 5)
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"Since High Watt Electrocutions main man Ryan Settee prescribed a headphone listen in the liner notes, I broke out my dusty old pair and went for it as directed. Yes, I do everything liner notes tell me. It’s not a bad way to go through life. Beats religion, anyhow.
Sure enough, as Settee promised, a listen to Desert Opuses – the second release from the Winnipeg songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer under the High Watt Electrocutions moniker following 2007’s Night Songs – through even the dingiest of headphones proved that the tonal richness and layered density is best experienced at close range and ridiculous volume. The ringing guitars of “Slow March” that follow the distinctly Middle Eastern tones of “Ode to Snakecharming” feel like they could eat your head whole and launch you on some psychedelic journey into the rainbow colored belly of a giant lizard. Like a scene out of some acid cartoon. Like Queens of the Stone Age gone spiritual.
Desert Opuses delivers what the title offers, which might be its greatest accomplishment. Not being familiar with the landscape in Winnipeg, I’m assuming it’s not quite the same as Death Valley, but Settee (with a host of guests) harnesses a dune-climbing aesthetic that knows it’s best to travel by night. Layers of acoustic guitar, vocals, Moog and other noise shift in and out, producing a wash that is positively engulfing. Even on the instrumental “Obliteration,” which is one of Desert Opuses’ most down to earth moments, the vibe of moonlit psychedelia is palpable and one can dig a tunnel into the sound itself and come out somewhere different each time.
Of course, “Headphone Opus” is an appropriately rich listening experience that lends credibility to Settee’s liner notes suggestion and the feeling of just how well planned Desert Opuses was to begin with. A highlight of side B, Settee brings the bass up front and lets it ride shotgun for a big sky trip down the empty road ahead. Piano, keys, moaning vocals and more make it so that there’s so much life in the recording it’s hard to think of it as an homage to a place so desolate, but the affected musical ecosystem is nonetheless impeccably pulled off. The minor chords throughout keep a consistent exoticism and Middle Eastern spice in the sound, and even as “Tut Will Have His Revenge” launches into its noisy and chaotic finish, the overwhelming calmness is left unbothered. Settee fades into the riff-then-organ excursion “Evilution” and closes with three minutes of Moog and harmonica interplay on “Stripped Ruins.”
His pairing of elements gives Desert Opuses a fresh sound in an otherwise well-established genre, and while the album is mostly unconcerned with the traditional songwriting tactics to which much of desert rock strictly adheres, an engaging balance between high artistry and worldly tact is struck that remains unblemished no matter how far out Settee goes sonically. And to be fair, he goes pretty far out. Desert Opuses will have a sound too complex for some, but plenty of heads will find their minds willing to be expanded by its journeying tones and unfolding grandeur. Here’s to it." (JJ Koczan, StonerRock.com)
Track Listing:
01. Mountains of the Pharoahs
02. Ode to Snakecharming
03. Slow March
04. Light at the Speed of Sound
05. Obliteration
06. The Ruins of the Pyramids
07. Headphone Opus
08. Tut Will Have His Revenge
09. Evilution (Exclusive Track)
10. Stripped Ruins (Exclusive Track)
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Labels:
Desert Opuses,
High Watt Electrocutions,
review
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