Album Of The Day-Iota-"Tales" (2008)

The Album Of The Day is "Tales" by Iota.



Review:

Seeing how Iota vocalist/guitarist Joey Toscano happens to be the webmaster of Small Stone Records, I wouldn't begrudge you for claiming cronyism. But you'd be wrong on a couple of counts. First off, Tales is the third release from the Salt Lake City-based band (not including a demo from 2004, there's also 2005's Three Tons and 2006's Frankenstein Earphone Radio God), so if one hand was indeed washing the other, it's certainly taken awhile to find the soap. Secondly � and this is the important bit - Tales not only whomps all over the three-piece's past material, but it also stands out as a highlight of this year's releases. That's mostly due to "Dimensional Orbiter," the 22+ minute monolithic guitar-based freakout that spews intergalactic stoner-psychedelia all over the place, much like Linda Blair did with pea soup in The Exorcist. And rather than being subjected to a crucifix in the vagina, "Dimensional Orbiter" instead gives you a solid boot to the ass. Repeatedly. It's a stand-up and take notice song, a note-perfect example of what this genre can represent when its not farting around trying to figure out what Sabbath and Kyuss riffs to steal. As for the other four tracks on Tales, they're pretty damn good too. Overall, Iota hits harder and heavier than most of their Small Stone brethren, coming close to Tummler in terms of delivery (the exception being closing track "Opiate Blues," which is more like Five Horse Johnson waking up after a vicious bender), so use that as a starting reference and then proceed without caution. Recommended. (John Pegoraro, StonerRock.com)

Track Listing:

01. New Mantis 4:40
02. We Are the Yithians 3:37
03. The Sleeping Heathen 10:42
04. Dimensional Orbiter 22:56
05. Opiate Blues 8:14

Listen

MySpace

3 Used & New Available From $13.40

Update From Small Stone Records

From Small Stone Records:

Yep, ever year we go through this, a week of 80 and 90 degree temps in Austin and then bam... right back to winter in the Motor City. One of these days we might finally get use to it. Anyway, we like to say a special thanks to the Room 710, Craig at SXSW, and all of our bands who traveled a long way and put on a great show. A good time was head by all. We got to see some old friends, and make some new ones. We would also like to say an extra thanks to Rick from Sasquatch for doing double drum duty fiiling in with Iota. Rick, you really saved the day on that one. Thanks!

The new Shame Club CD, Come On, just showed up via our lovely UPS carrier. All that really needs to be said about the Shame Club is this, the band rules, the CD rules, buy it now. You will be humming the album for years to come in your automobile. The Shame Club will also be embarking on an East Coast tour in a few weeks as well. You really do not want to miss them. If you need more proof, you can check out the Shame Club on our jukebox. Their song "Jonestown" was added to it earlier today.

MySpace

Iota’s new album, Tales, is days away from heading to the plant. The artwork is done, and we are just waiting for the final master from Mr. Gooseman. If you are a fan of the heavy and trippy, with some old school 70’s blues rock tossed in for good measure, then you are going to want to add Tales to your collection post haste.

MySpace

Five Horse Johnson is gearing up to record their sixth full length late this spring. The band has been busy working on new material, and their yet to be titled release will be the first one recorded as a five piece. We have had the privilege of hearing a few of the new tunes at their rehearsal and they are very much in the realm of Foghat, Mountain, and Led Zeppelin. The FHJ band are hoping to have there new one ready to go for the fall and a European Tour is currently being planned.

MySpace

Boston`s Hackman recently went down to NYC to record their second album with the legendary Andrew Schneider (Scissorfight, Throttlerod, Unsane). The band will be returned to the Big Apple on May 13 to play their first show there, at the Trash Bar.

MySpace

Finally, Please welcome Whitey Morgan and the 78’s to the Small Stone family. We were so tickled by their version of "Running with the Devil", that we went back and checked out their original material... and guess what, we got hooked. So, there is a first time for everything, Small Stone is entering the world of Outlaw Country and Whitey and his band will be hitting Rustbelt Studios next week to begin recording their new album. If you are a fan of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Steve Earle, then you are going to really dig these guys. If you only like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, you might want to skip this one.

MySpace

SmallStone.com