Bison B.C- Lovelessness (Metal Blade) It may just be myself not paying a great deal of attention (very likely actually), but it does seem that sludge bands are becoming a much more common sight. Of course many newer bands are more than happy to ape the heavyweights of the genre (much like in any genre), so it is always nice to hear a band trying to do something a little different. Now Bison B.C are not exactly a new band (the Canadian sludgers are on their 3rd full length), but are certainly a name to put forward when looking for sludge bands shaping their own identity.
Bastard Of The Skies - Tarnation (Future Noise) British doom has been pretty stellar of late. Whether it’s the death metal infused style of Indesinence, or the female fronted Undersmile and their marine themed Narwhal of this year or the raspy sludge of Lancashire based Bastard Of The Skies. Tarnation is darn heavy and the rolling rumbles of bass underpinning the harsh vocal lines of Matt Richardson cut through the murk like an axe through wood. Bastard Of The Skies tread a steady line of melody whilst imbuing their music with ever increasing waves of shuddering weight and 'A Punch In The Fucking Lungs' is a decidedly fitting title for the second track on their third album. '(Roasted In The Depths Of The) Sloar' trembles with a fearsome tangibility and Bastard Of The Skies chug along with naught a care for the destruction left in their path. This quartet is here to pulverise with powerful and bellowing vocals and instrumentation heavy enough to move the earth itself during their deliciously extended riff-laden songs. It’s not all masses of noise though, and the instrumental 'Tarnation' is a step into more ambient territory and the washes of electronic feedback pulse and breathe with a deeply unsettling tone. It’s certainly an interesting addition to the album and ensures that Bastard Of The Skies aren’t seen just as super heavy noise-makers but as composers and willing to take that risk. Tarnation is a massively worthy entry into the sludge arena and Bastard Of The Skies will hopefully be mentioned in the same breath as bands such as Old Man Gloom and perhaps even Neurosis in the future. This record is really bloody good and deserves your attention. Cheryl Carter
What is strikingly different about Lovelessness from much of the rest of the genre is purely the atmosphere. A lot of sludge metal conjures up images of Southern USA, whisky drinking and good times (think Down for example). Lovelessness on the other hand (unsurprisingly given the title) is a much bleaker and even melancholic affair. There is a real air of desperation rising from the vocals, complimented by the downbeat, slow and brooding pace of the music throughout, rather akin to doom metal but with a very sludge like tone. Interestingly, Bison BC aren’t afraid to throw in a few psychedelic elements here and there. They are very subtle it has to be said but there are noticeable and at times unexpected uses, such as on ‘Clozapine Dream’, where it suddenly begins to drift, not to mention unconventional song lengths which even see an over 10 minute epic in ‘Blood Music’. Whilst perhaps not being radically different to many of their peers, Bison B.C is definitely making a real effort to stand out with their third full length effort. Definitely worth a listen. Chris Tippell
Blueneck - Epilogue (Denovali Records) When you find something on the Denovali label you can be pretty certain it's going to be music full of depth and texture. And good. So it is with the fourth release from UK band Blueneck, who have forgone vocals in this half hour record that marks the end of the old and clears the way for a new sound in their upcoming release, slated for next year. The album cover shows a detail from the layout of the Apollo command module main control panel. This is hardly surprising given the preoccupation so many players of post-rock seem to have with science, space and science fiction. Then there's also so often that feeling “gee this would sound good as a soundtrack for a film” when it comes to instrumental rock. If the music is really good you can make it the soundtrack to the best film in the world – the one in your head. The one where the music sets the emotions and you construct the plot, the characters and the setting. Welcome to Epilogue, a soundtrack to a space film not yet made, with the song titles 'Apogee', 'Carina', 'Eta Carinae' and 'Colonization- incident' telling you a bit about where the band's heads are at. There's undeniably some Mogwai to be heard in these eight post-rock morsels and it favours the first-generation feel over post-metal, mathrock and indie-rock elements, but that doesn't stop them being some of the very best of the genre you will hear this year. You probably know the score – if you think that all post-rock sounds the same then this won't change your mind. On the other hand, if you like your instrumental rock full of melancholy and sadness, then this is for you. In fact forget sadness, this has songs full of utter despair.
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