Built on a Weak Spot

It really is a shame that a band like UK’s Snowblood can go relatively unnoticed during their run while other critically praised bands that operate within the same area musically continue to do so, however less effectively. I was introduced to the band when their second album Being and Becoming was released in 2005 and it was a massive listen of sludgy doom ridden tunes that grabbed my attention from the start. I have never been a big fan of that sort of thing over the years, however when done right it forces you to take notice and that’s part of the beauty of what Snowblood managed to accomplish while remaining in the shadows of so many others sadly. Their music can definitely be considered exhausting to sit down and listen to fully in one sitting, much like I felt when I first heard the debut Jesu LP. Except the thing I appreciate about Snowblood, other than the music itself, is that the band didn’t shy away from that approach as they progressed. They still insist upon creating the type of slow and successive punch that grinds and toils until it hits the payoff, and the payoff almost always proves to be worth it. Here on their third and final album the band is undoubtedly at peak form and at their most challenging with four lengthy compositions for the listeners to digest.

Snowblood – Untitled 1 [MP3]

Those looking to pick this up can do so by heading on over to SuperFi Records. Right now the CD version is available, however be on the lookout in the coming weeks for a limited 2xLP release of this monster. Enjoy!

I can’t say I’ve ever been a heavy listener of what is often labeled “sludge”, however there were always a few bands here and there that I really was able to get into. Mostly they were the obvious big hitters like Eyehategod or Buzzov*en, stuff like that. Just the other night though I was reminded of a band that came a bit later, Leechmilk. I hadn’t listened to either of their records in quite sometime, but I was quickly reacquainted once it was revealed to me again at just how much these guys ripped.

I remember the good old days of dial up Internet surfing when I would cruise around on MP3.com and download various tracks from bands that put their music up on the site. One of the tracks I distinctly remember getting off of it that completely tore me apart at the time was Leechmilk’s song “The Garrote”, which appeared on their first full-length, Starvation of Locusts (2000, Spare Change) and then again on their second release that was a split with Sofa King Killer called Guilty of Sloth (2001, Tee Pee). Not much else to say really other than these guys were among the best bands that I heard that did the whole Southern sludge/swamp sound, just incredibly crushing and vicious, the vocals especially. It’s too bad that they didn’t release more, but what we got was plenty good enough. Give it a listen.

Starvation of Locusts:
Leechmilk – Doubleplusungood [MP3]
Leechmilk – The Garrote [MP3]

Guilty of Sloth:
Leechmilk – Saltlick [MP3]

As far as I can tell Starvation of Locusts is no longer available, however Guilty of Sloth still can be found used on Amazon and there might still be copies available through Tee Pee. Honestly have no idea what happened to the members after this band. I am counting on some of the readers to help me out here if possible. For now though, enjoy the tunes above!

The new Boris album Pink has recently been released here in the US after seeing its initial release last year in their home land of Japan. Had I not used it in my year end top 20 last year, it would of certainly had a spot this year. That being said, Pink is one of Boris’ strongest releases to date, combining a wide collection of past styles and mashing it into one mammoth of an album. The lead track “Farewell” is one of my favorite songs off the album. A slower paced cut that opts out of the doom/sludge area instead for a surprising melodic piece that sounds a bit MBV inspired, which ends up being quite epic as well. However, you can’t get to comfortable with it as the majority of the album dips back into the grittier and dirty Boris that many of their fans have attached themselves to. However, the song could go a long way to show how great this band really is. The production values might be a concern to some, as it’s definitely not the cleanest and quality sounding production ever. However, I’ve always found that to be a strong point for the band giving their songs an even nastier/rocking feel. It’s definitely not for everyone though, which is understandable.

The album has definitely ignited a notable amount hype for the band. This year seems to be the year that many people are starting rant and rave about the them after releasing numerous albums in Japan and some in the US through Southern Lord. However, I will back whatever hype surrounds Boris, as everything they have ever put out has pretty much impressed me. Even more so with the fact that the band pulls off some of the heaviest doom/sludge material I’ve heard then switching it to some fine dirty fast paced rock n’ roll all at the snap of a finger. Amazing really. Give it a try, as it’s better heard than explained. You can do so by picking up Pink through Southern Lord.

Pink:
Boris – Farewell [MP3]
Boris – Blackout [MP3]

And for good measure, a couple more favorite Boris tracks.

Boris/Barebones Split:
Boris – Soul Search You Sleep [MP3]

Various Artists: From Koenji to Eternity:
Boris – Vacuum [MP3]

You can check out Boris’ website over here for more information on releases that are Japan exclusive and various collaborations with such artists as Merzbow.