Stoner Rock Archives - Northern Sludge

May 29, 2019May 29, 2019

0024 – Blue Snaggletooth – Dimension Thule Vinyl LP Review

Blue Snaggletooth BlackLight Sensitive cover in tree roots

Artist: Blue Snaggletooth
Album: Dimension Thule
Label: Arbco Records
Release Date: July 29, 2011
Format: Vinyl Record

This record has a wow factor the moment you pop your eyes on the cover! Super vibrant, black light sensitive theme all over the cover. The vinyl itself is a popping blue, adding that extra touch to tie the whole package together.

The sounds contained on these ridges of vinyl are of standard stoner rock fair; very reminiscent of Red Fang and the like. The mix puts the drums and vocals right out front, with the guitars just below. Well recorded, the overall production of this release is amazing. Whether it’s the rad cover or the well recorded and mixed sounds within.

Hints of blues rock with that stoner twinge, the riffs contain a galloping stomping rhythm and jamming guitars. The third track, “Insomnia,” really connects hard to that blues vein. The vocal style changes a bit on this track, creating a strong and satisfying delivery.

The fourth track is titled “Death of the Time Lords.” This one brings another style change, the riffs lose the galloping riffage and go into a sparser chugging style through the intro. Half way into the song it gets back to gallop town. The song “Sector 7” has a great slow simmering build in for the intro. Bluesy guitars and guitar rumblings bring the storm in slowly with minimal drums. Much slower and noisier, simple and effective. It makes great use of lots of effects, coming in and out, making for an almost psychedelic blues feel. I found this to be a very satisfying listen and a standout track.

Insert for Vinyl Record Blue Snaggletooth

The closing number, “Fireball Island,” is the fastest track on the record. This one leaves the blues behind and stretches out to an almost thrash sound. Easily double time from the earlier tracks, guitars are shredding, drums are pounding, and vocals are gnashing right over it all. A powerful closing track!

This was the first album these guys released, and looking at their current BandCamp it appears that Blue Snaggletooth have 2 more releases under their belt since this one. Click the links below to hear the sounds.

Blue Snaggletooth on Facebook
Blue Snaggletooth on Bandcamp
Arbco Records on Facebook

Northern Sludge Long Rapids Michigan — Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Long Rapids Township Park, Long Rapids, Michigan.

November 8, 2018

0021 – Olde Growth – Tour EP 2012 Owl EP

Artist: Olde Growth
Album: Tour EP 2012
Label: Self-Released
Release Date: 2012
Format: Cassette Tape

Olde Growth is a 2-piece bass and drum group from Boston. This tape is the second and final release, and a pre-release to the Vinyl that Hydro-Phonic Records put out officially retitled “Owl EP.” I was lucky enough to pick the tape up from these 2 dudes at a show in Boston. When I was researching for this review I realized that the later released Owl EP was the same tracks as what is contained on this cassette. I snagged the “Owl EP” off Bandcamp and compared. The tape has some audio artifacts from the dubbing and the limitations of tape. The sound of the digital files is much fuller and less distorted. Saying that, I did thoroughly enjoy the character that the tape flavors added to the mix.

This tape is in a clamshell cassette case, with a lightweight paper style cover that wraps around both sides. The cassette itself has a paint-marker embellishment on both sides and has audio duplicated to each side. With the full album on side A and B you don’t have to rewind and flip endlessly!

The sound that is Olde Growth consists of a super heavy, groove-oriented base that flows in and out of classic stoner rock. The drums are tight and carry the songs well, while the bass fits into its own pocket. Even without a guitar lead present, sounds pop in and out. Slow rumbles and combines with more intricate phrasing, melding in with a strong vocal delivery.

The opener track, “Brother of the Moon,” comes in with a simple clean bass line, followed by the drums and then thick bass waves of distortion. Heavy, in all the right ways, finally the song builds into large chords that fully bring the ears into the woods. Finally, to bring the song to full throttle the drums step into a stomp and the bass flips over into more of a lead style delivery. The drums and vocals carry the song from here, while the bass chugs slowly just below.

The transition into track two, “Warrior Child,” is near seamless. The feel and the groove are similar to the previous track. Drums lead the charge, vocals and chugging bass lines right beside. Another great song, fun to tap along to and keep the head bobbing.

The third track is “Tears of Blood.” This brings a departure from the first half of the EP. The riffs are again in the galloping stoner rock feel, but the hook is more prominent. The crashing chords and vocal delivery, at the end, is by far some of the heaviest moments on the tape. One of my favorite parts about this group is the way that the bass transitions from standard rhythm to thick chords. This sound, this style, really lends to the heaviness of Olde Growth.

“Edge of the Sea” has a great hook, the vocals reach a near singalong status. Fun, dark, and full of good imagery, the music underneath helps to transport my mind. I love closing my eyes and taking in the waves. This song is pure fun, full of that classic stoner rock bounce that keeps my head nodding.

I had always meant to pick up this album, never realizing that I already had the album on my tape rack! Hilarious! I still want the vinyl, I imagine it has a much better audio treatment than this tape. I believe Olde Growth is on hiatus, and they will be missed. Click the links below to check out the music for yourself.

Olde Growth Bandcamp

Olde Growth Facebook

Photos by Nibiinabekwe Ocqueoc Michigan Lake Huron — Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Huron Beach • Ocqueoc, MI

April 16, 2018

0011 – All Souls – Self Titled

Artist: All Souls
Album: ST
Label: Ruined Vibes
Release Date: February 2018
Format: Vinyl

I have been a fan of Totimoshi for years. When I heard that Tony and Meg had a new band, “All Souls,” I jumped at the chance to get the limited edition release. The new self titled album comes in multiple versions. The one I picked up was released on a sick looking limited edition vinyl featuring a clear with black splattered record. It was released by a boutique label specializing in small runs called “Ruined Vibes.” Cover art for this edition is designed by Kat Von D, the cover itself is hand screened on folded heavy weight paper. The print is super sharp. At first glance I wasn’t even sure it was a print, I had to really look close at the cover in order to see the print job. As an added bonus, on this release Ruined Vibes threw a poster in the sleeve featuring the alternative artwork from the standard release of the album.

For me this band is all about the interplay of Toni’s vocals with the guitar work. Top notch rock at its finest, full of flourishes and textures that really make each song stand on its own. Each song blends together, all the elements mixed seamlessly, each song delivers that sweet mix of the bass, drums, and vocals. Toshi Kasai handled the recording and mixing duties. Also known for his work with the Melvins, among others, this represents another great example of his skills, capturing chaos and putting it onto a recording.

The opening track, “Party Night,” features a powerful riff and drum combo, super heavy and fun, the intro guitar work is instantly memorable. I found this song to have a feel reminiscent of early QOTSA but with a much more technical edge. The following track, “Never Know,” has a mellower sound, bringing to the forefront, again, the great guitar work. This time around the chorus features this hook that I find sticking in my head at the oddest times. Even typing this out brings it ringing right back to my mind.

Something I found interesting while writing this review, the track “Sadist/Servant” features Danny Carey, from Tool, on drums. I haven’t been a fan of newer Tool releases, but as a child of the 90’s, “Opiate” still holds a special spot in my heart. I didn’t know there was a guest drummer until writing this, so I found this to be a cool aside on reevaluation. The track holds true to the “All Souls” formula, great guitars, heavy drums and a good chorus. Danny’s drum work fits right in and isn’t a change in the sound. I thought it was cool that I didn’t immediately notice, but as I re-listen I keep finding little intricacies that are reminiscent of Tool.

One of my personal favorite tracks off this album is “The Ghost Is Flying Home,” super heavy with deep thumping bass, and again, the great guitar accents and leads. The drums find this perfect robotic beat throughout that carries the song well. Again, another example of everything I love in rock and roll, pounding drums, great hooks, and fat riffs. All Souls brings a sound that is classic and almost timeless, overall heavy, featuring lush tones and melodies. Every time I put this record on I find a new nuance to enjoy. It’s hard to put a genre on All Souls, I would just say it’s real music, timeless rock – in the best way possible.

March 22, 2018April 1, 2018

0008 – The Swill – Thirst For Misery

Artist: The Swill
Album: Thirst For Misery
Label: Self Released
Release Date: Nov 7th, 2013
Format: Cassette

This is the first pressing, limited edition cassette from Lansing, Michigan’s The Swill. The bands self released debut album, titled Thirst For Misery. Cover art is done by Brad Moore and features a gargoyle before a moonscape. The tape was released 3 times, this is the first version that came on black, all releases are sold out on Bandcamp.

This recording, is super well done, the drums carry the songs well, while Matt Preston and Dan McCormick lay down thick riffage with super intricate and melodic passages throughout.

The last song, “The Void and the Vision” has a great galloping beat, the drums really lead you into the song. Then the guitars build in, swelling to a huge solo. Rael Andrews drums really highlight the awesome guitar-work on this track, pushing the driving feeling all the way to the end.

It was fun to pull this tape out, these guys rule. Part of this project is digging out old gems or finding new ones to appreciate. This tape was definitely lost in the shuffle of my collection, mostly forgotten, but not anymore.

The Swill On Bandcamp

The Swill Facebook

Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Lake Superior.

March 12, 2018

0006 – Cavalcade – Swale 7″

Artist: Cavalcade
Album: Swale
Label: Bermuda Mohawk Productions
Release Date: Dec 10^th 2013
Format: Vinyl 7”

I believe I got this 7” at the release show, a very long time ago. I then promptly lost it in the shuffle of life, only to be re-found when I recently got a new record shelf and organization system. Hurrah for me because this one is a gem! Swale is a 7″ with a minimal brown sleeve featuring a monster stamp as the main focal point. I really like the layout of this release, done by Craig Horky, who not only is a prolific and unique artist, but also the bassist of Cavalcade. I believe as an added aside this is Sean Peters first release with the band, replacing Zak Warren on vocals.

“Swale,” the opening track, comes in slow and weird, in typical Cavalcade fashion, building up into a crashing swaying mess of noise. “Metronome On Sleep” is the highlight track for me; it has a hard groove with lots of intricacies, eerie melodies shine through the sound-wall amid the chaos.

Cavalcade is a strange carnival of a band and the music is a perfect representation of that. Stoner metal meets punk rock meets who the hell knows what or where. The noise flows in and out while a Gollum spits and sputters vocals through the mix. The recording on this release is well mixed and presented, taking the listener under the tent with Cavalcade. I have always enjoyed catching these guys live, whether in a basement or a stinky dive bar, Brad always brings the headbanging while the other guys bring the weird.

Cavalcade on Facebook

Cavalcade Bandcamp

Bermuda Mohawk Productions

Photos by Nibiinabekwe, Gaffney Creek, Salina Rd, Alpena County Michigan.

March 8, 2018March 12, 2018

0004 – Boris – Live At Third Man Records

Artist: Boris
Album: Live At Third Man Records
Label: Third Man Records
Release Date: Nov 29th 2017
Format: Vinyl LP

This album Boris – Live At Third Man Records, along with the next I will review, are special to me. I got a chance to see this tour that they were recorded on. Boris is by far one of my most loved bands and with the addition of seeing them with Earth, I considered this a once in a Continue reading “0004 – Boris – Live At Third Man Records”

March 8, 2018March 12, 2018

0003 – Cloakroom – Further Out

Artist: Cloakroom
Album: Further Out
Label: Run For Cover Records
Release Date: January 20, 2015
Format: Double Clear Vinyl LP

I purchased this LP at a show in Grand Rapids when Cloakroom opened for Hum! That was an amazing show, Nibiinabekwe was beyond excited to see Hum, and I was just as excited for Cloakroom. Luckily for me I had the monies to buy the LP from them at the show.

Released by Run for Cover Records, the version I got came as a double clear Continue reading “0003 – Cloakroom – Further Out”