High Times foray into the world of stoner rock succeeds on two counts. For a listener new to the genre, it covers a wide enough base to show that there’s more to stoner rock than what’s assumed (sub-standard Sabbath riffs recycled through a haze of smoke). And for fans of the genre (and of the bands) the fourteen songs on this compilation are, for the most part, outstanding. It’s a shame that the term “stoner rock” denotes such a marginalized s t y l e to the unfamiliar, because as High Volume so expertly shows, the bands that fall under the genre’s umbrella are fairly varied. From Gas Giant’s fuzzed out space rock, to the ‘70s vibe of Bad Wizard, to Orange Goblin’s outlaw biker metal, there’s something for everyone here. Highlights include the straightforward crunch of Unida’s “Left Us to Mold,” The Hidden Hand’s “The Falconstone,” Suplecs’ instrumental “Cities of the Dead,” and Bottom’s punishing “NADAsoul.” Also of note is Corrosion of Conformity, who emerge from their hiatus with “It Is That Way,” a lazy Southern stomper that strips away the studio/computerized polish of America’s Volume Dealer and has the grittier vibe of Wiseblood. (StonerRock.com)
High Volume: The Stoner Rock Collection (2004)
1. Gas Giant “Too Stoned”
2. Bad Wizard “So Bad”
3. Clutch “Willie Nelson”
4. Nebula “The Void”
5. The Hidden Hand “Falconstone”
6. Unida “Left Us to Mold”
7. Orange Goblin “No Law”
8. Suplecs “Cities of the Dead”
9. High on Fire “To Cross the Bridge”
10. Sea of Green “High for the Ride”
11. The Formula “Hello to Oblivion”
12. Corrosion of Conformity “It Is That Way”
13. The Mystik Krewe of Clearlight “Ride Out”
14. Bottom “NADAsoul”
{ 0 comments... read them below or add one }
Post a Comment