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55,337 posts since 7/17/2002
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Posted on 3/9/2004 at 9:54:41 AM
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StonerRock.comp II Reviewed by John Pegoraro (StonerRock.com) Available for download now The thinking behind the original StonerRock.comp was simple – a good number of the members of StonerRock.com are not only fans, but musicians in unsigned bands as well. Why not showcase what they’ve done? The end result was a two disc behemoth, covering a wide array of genres. Overall, it was impressive, but there were some flaws in production (too varied, ranging from excellent to just plain crap) and song writing (some of the acts, sad to say, were unsigned for a reason). StonerRock.comp II manages to avoid these pitfalls, while again showing the myriad of s t y l es within the stoner rock scene. Be it straight-ahead hard rock/metal, doom, or “classic” stoner, you’ll find it on StonerRock.comp, a testament to the originality and breadth of a genre that’s more often than not marginalized by more mainstream press. I won’t go into each song (too lazy/not enough time), but highlights include the classic rock boogie with a hell-bent attitude of Atomic #76’s “Gas Hangover, Pennsylvania Connection’s sardonic sludge (even though it sounds like “The Catastrophe” is cut off), and Sons of Serro, who come off as a spacier Rebreather, with minimalist yet effectively melodic riffing. Cudamantra’s new track shows that the band’s incorporating a more metal attitude to their songwriting, loosing the more blatant stoner vibe from Straight on Till Morning. A muddied bass line mars an otherwise impressive song. Graveslime brings to mind the Melvins, Totimoshi, or maybe Mr. Bungle, and is a standout track for originality alone. But for me, the best track is Elephantum. “Low Phi” is just a well written, perfectly realized song, performed by a group that knows their instruments. Instantly catchy, but not in a traditional hook sort of way. By trimming the total selection to one disc and focusing on an even production level, StonerRock.comp II has managed to show that there’s a wide variety of originality within the genre, and that not enough bands are getting their due.
URL: http://tagplazen.org/srcomp2/
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I`m never going to work another day in my life
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32,032 posts since 2/19/2003
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Posted on 3/9/2004 at 10:56:22 AM
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Right on, Arz - good review! I agree that "Low Phi" is the high point on this comp - great job, Matthijs & Co.!!
Now that my CD player is back in effect, I'll do a track-by-track review over the weekend.
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DerugifsnarT
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19,820 posts since 3/23/2000
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Posted on 3/9/2004 at 11:19:35 AM
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I agree with much of what Arz said. Much better sound quality and a more focussed line-up providing stronger material. As mentioned in the Gen Disc, Svenghali, Burnout and SOS are standing out for me, and I'll add Graveslime to that as well. Awesome stuff, guys!
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That`s a lot of nuts!
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3,905 posts since 11/25/2002
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Posted on 3/10/2004 at 9:08:36 AM
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thanks arz
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Its much better than the last one for sure but I dont think Elephantum stands out. Its a damn good track but it sits pretty well with the rest of the stuff on there.
If you're talking about standing out then its the Cudamantra track. That shit just rips. I agree with what Arzgarth said in that its more heavy metal than stoner but I guess thats why it stands out.
The production could be a little better but what are ya gonna do? Its as good a pumping metal track as Ive heard in ages.
The Pennsylvania Connection track is pretty cool too. A little raw as well but thats not always a bad thing. I also like the Puddy track a lot.
Well done to all concerned. Ho ho Fuckin' ho
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17,986 posts since 1/6/2001
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Posted on 3/10/2004 at 9:46:39 AM
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Yeah, the Cudamantra track comes off as a hopped up Cathedral track with a sweet lead...
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“Guitar porn! YEAH!!" - JazzBastard
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Thats a pretty good des c r i p tion. Yeah.
And the lead is sweet, That also made it stand out for me. The gutarist/ guitarists? sure knows how to play.
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4,995 posts since 4/23/2002
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Posted on 3/10/2004 at 10:03:42 AM
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I'm really enjoying all the songs on this comp.
I'll start by saying that some of it is not new to me, as I've been a fan of the Atomic #76, Pennsylvania Connection, and Puddy for quite awhile (In fact both the Atomic #76 and Penn Conn cd's made it into my top 23 of 2003). If you haven't heard anything by these bands yet, this comp would be a good way to get started with all 3 them. (Edit: Then go buy their albums...)
Otherwise, I'd agree with you guys on the Cudamantra track being my favorite; they just blitz you with a full-on metal assault. The guitar and drum work are most impressive and the singer's voice just pulls you into the song. Fist pumping indeed!
After that I'd have to say the Graveslime track is my next favorite. Its a hard one to describe because they blend a lot of different s t y l es and influences. Lots of tempo changes on this one and the vocals alternate from clean to growled. Fans of Cruevo and Totimoshi take note.
More to come later...I have to do some work.
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All pedigree, no class.
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15,543 posts since 7/4/2002
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Posted on 3/11/2004 at 5:38:46 AM
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Cheers guys. Keep them reviews and thoughts a coming!
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Needles to say... you took drugs.
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3,211 posts since 4/16/2002
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Posted on 3/14/2004 at 11:49:01 PM
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yeah, a very good listen. comps are great for finding new bands to support and this one is full of quality bands. based on what i've heard (about 5-6 spins), i'd definitely check out any of these bands live. standouts for me are the devil to pay, pennsylvania connection, svenghali, cudamantra, and graveslime tracks. this is a surprisingly consistant disc though, so the difference between a standout and a track which i haven't mentioned ain't all that much. the difference could just be the mood that i'm in at the moment. definitely nothing here that inspired me to hit the skip button, and that's kinda rare w/ comps. great job all the way around folks!
URL: http://www.atomicnumber76.com
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4,146 posts since 2/15/2003
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Posted on 3/15/2004 at 12:06:10 AM
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i cant get past the Cudamantra singing
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dead man stalks his prey
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15,543 posts since 7/4/2002
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Posted on 3/15/2004 at 2:44:08 AM
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Elaborate...
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Needles to say... you took drugs.
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7,014 posts since 2/19/2002
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Posted on 3/15/2004 at 8:46:13 AM
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Atomic #76 “Gas Hangover”
Good time Rock’n’Roll and the perfect opener for a CD like this. Yay for cowbell and the power trio format!!
Sons Of Serro “Dawn Of The Apocalypse”
…after which we descend to sludgier/doomier depths. I think Arzgarths’ des c r i p tion (a spacier Rebreather, with minimalist yet effectively melodic riffing) is pretty right-on. Good job
Devil To Pay “Mouthful Of Spite”
The tempo goes up again for this short but very catchy instrumental interlude, which somehow reminds me of an old band called Beowulf (album: Slice Of Life. Not to be confused with the HC-band of the same name) Anyone remember them?
Pennsylvania Connection “The Catastrophe”
Very tough, muscular and angry sounding Metal. Why is it cut off? I wanted more!
Svenghali “Snake Oil Funeral”
A big Doom riff is followed by even bigger vocals. The singer kinda sounds like Keith Caputo, although less annoying. The music’s more Sabbath than LOA anyway
Burnout “Mt Valentine”
Another big riff. Well, several big riffs actually. Kinda reminds me of COC, also because of the vocals. Not a standout, but good nonetheless.
Puddy “Write Off”
A very catchy up-tempo rocker. The most punk sounding thing on the whole comp, although with a too sludgy guitar sound and too much weirdness going on too be really punk rock.
Black Mountain Creeper “Shine”
Maybe it’s just me, but with a name like Black Mountain Creeper I wouldn’t expect something to sound like a Heavier version of early Megadeth. And this does IMO. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Cudamantra “Petroleum”
Maybe it’s because their British but this song takes me right back to the good ol’ days of the NWOBHM. I don’t have a problem with the admittedly somewhat odd vocals, but then I was always into weird singers like Tim Baker (Cirith Ungol) and Mark Shelton (Manilla Road)
Graveslime “Double Damage”
As several people have already mentioned this is one of the standout tracks. It’s also very weird, even eerie (well, what do you expect with a name like Graveslime). This is what Tool could sound like if Tool weren’t such art dweebs.
Elephantum “Low Phi”
I’m not just saying this because they’re Dutch, but Elephantum are definitely one of the better Stoner bands around. Very atmospheric and with a good ear for melody, as is proven once again by this track
Mantis “Choking On Forbidden Fruit”
I hope I don’t offend anyone by saying that parts of this song kinda remind me of System of a Down, albeit a lot more old school Heavy Metal
I really like the STONERROCK.COMP vol 2 and have to say I was really pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of the songs, the playing and the production. Although I like some songs more than others (my personal favorites are Atomic #76, Svenghali, Puddy, Cudamantra, Graveslime and Elephantum ) there’s really not a bad track to be found here. A good job done by all!!
I say bring on vol 3!!
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knolraap en lof, schorseneren en prei
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32,524 posts since 1/22/2001
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Posted on 3/15/2004 at 10:10:59 AM
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Since my overall opinions on the comp jibe with those already expressed (it's fucking good), I'll go with a song-by-song breakdown of what I think:
Atomic #76 - Gas Hangover
Cowbell, motherfucker! This is straight-up, fuzzed heavy in the classic stoner vein, with maybe a bit of a kick in the ass to beef up the tempo. Screeching, extended axe work, driving burning-highway riffs. This one's high-octane. And did I mention the cowbell? I've got a fever!
Sons of Serro - Dawn of the Apocalypse
A slight intro belies the thick, inexorable tidal wave of guitar sound that really kicks this track off. The SoS sound, like a glacier with a center of molten lead, lays down a thick path for the engaging, alternating harmonies of the vocals. This one's in no hurry, the way time and the orbits of the planets are in no hurry. The lead guitar sounds like its sitting behind the doomed-out, super-heavy riffs and rhythm section, pushing the vocals through the syrupy fog. Great, atmospheric doom-rock.
Devil to Pay - Mouthful of Spite
This band's debut album, Thirty Pieces of Silver, is a recent favorite of mine. This track is the instrumental lead-off for that disc and it's a doozy. There are stronger songs on that album, but this one holds its own with no problem. Up-tempo with a great hook riff, the drumming really pushes this one. Sharp and busy without getting technical, it's fun to listen to it hold up the relatively simple interplay between the two main riffs. A tastefully timed wah-wah solo interjects some spice into the chugging rhythm.
Pennsylvania Connection - The Catastrophe
Penn Conn, as many of you know, don't fuck around. These guys write mean, menacing songs with lyrics that ride a fine line between disturbing and hilarious. This one is no exception. It's a rude, mid-tempo bully delivered with a growled threat and a great, muddy riff. The staccato breakdown at the end is just plain evil.
Svenghali - Snake Oil Funeral
Svenghali were brand new to me with this song and they're straight up my alley. I'm sure they've heard it a million times, but the vocals sound uncannily like Glen Danzig and that's not a bad thing in my book. They soar over hard-hitting, crunchy guitars in a pounding, fuck-shit-up hard rock beast. There's swagger and sneer to go around in this song, delivered confidently and well. This is Danzig singing for a Southern-fried Motorhead.
Burnout - Mt. Valentine
Burnout playing whiskey-soaked roadhouse rock, overdriven guitars and powerful drums (unfortunately, they're a bit muted on this track) holding forth with classic 70s riffage, amped up with a meaner sound and appealing, gruff vocals. This track never lets up, no mood changes, no cutesy codas, just a spitting, full-throttle rock animal that's fun as hell, beginning to end.
Puddy - Write Off
Puddy are one of my favorite bands. I don't know if it's the intelligent, sardonic songwriting or the touches of throwback, post-hardcore 90s rock in the guitars or the confident way they blend so many rock elements in a clean but hard-hitting sound. All of those qualites are evident in this song, probably my favorite from their "Drive" EP. The ringing, compact guitar sound I think of as their trademark holds down bouncing, busy riff, touched up with echoing, static electricity guitar sounds that pinball on the edge of hearing. The vocals copy this in-and-out, layered approach, but at its core, the song is a howling, noisy, forceful mix of thick, riff rock and Quicksand-ish angularity. I love it.
Black Mountain Creeper - Shine
Let's get one thing straight - I like the term "stoner rock." I don't give a shit about the connotations of the word and, frankly, Josh Homme can kiss my skinny, white ass. This song is what I think of as stoner rock. Thick, chugging, downtuned guitars, swaggering vocals that at least hint of some time spent in Dixie, and an atmospheric menace, a bit of spacey texture that suggests too much time in the sun with cheap booze and drugs. I enjoy the shit out of this song.
Cudamantra - Petroleum
For those familiar with Cudamantra's demo, Straight On 'Til Morning, this track will quickly reveal the steps forward they've taken. These guys deliver the metal with "Petroleum," a slicing, hard-driving jet fighter of a song. Machine-gun riffing and sharp, brisk drumming keep the foot on the gas for the full 4+ minutes. The vocals, an odd sing-songy rhythm like a metal version of Fu Manchu, alienate some listeners and can take some getting used to. Personally, I don't mind them at all and it's nice to hear a metal singer that doesn't fit into one of the 4 classic modes of Dio, Osbourne, Halford, or Scott.
Graveslime - Double Damage
Whoa. Where the fuck did these guys come from? Metal weirdness full of D&D references, vocals that alternate between a mumbled, haunting whisper and a psychotic's scream, and musical sounds that cover more ground than the shadow cast by John Tesh's head. These guys aren't afraid to stop and start, switch gears, and just get positively schizo in mood and texture. The result is a less circus-y Mr. Bungle, all the meaner, more evil parts of Bungle stripped down to a solid chunk of metal with all kinds of odd spiky bits poking out. The main riff (and it does have one) is a doomy, metallic stalking that doesn't so much hold the song down as keep popping up to surprise you, like that horror movie villain that just won't fucking die.
Elephantum - Low Phi
Another classic stoner rock pounder and this one may be the standout of the bunch. It's tuned so low, there are elephants in Africa banging their heads to it. A relatively quiet verse gives way to a colossal chorus, complete with a dense guitar rumble and the vocalist's controlled howl. The deep sound of the chorus eventually takes over the song, building momentum until it breaks for the well-placed, doubly overlapping solo. This is a tight, aptly constructed song that still manages to feel expansive and expressive. Horns up!
Mantis - Choking On Forbidden Fruit
A quiet, guitar-only verse and then BANG! Big, phased guitars and Maynardesque vocals blast through on the chorus in this mix of Tool and harsher, heavier tones of straight-up heavy rock. The soft-verse, hard-chorus structure is pleasing and builds the feel of the song, though the song itself is way too short. The result is something that sounds half-finished. The vocals are good, however, and is an effective head-bobber when it cuts loose. This isn't really the strongest closer for the compilation and may have been better served somewhere in the middle. I'd like to hear what this band could do when they stretch a bit more and open up a song's guts to see what they can find.
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"It`s like a game show in my head except I`m the only contestant." - N
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1,003 posts since 1/3/2004
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Posted on 3/16/2004 at 8:24:28 PM
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Fantastic review Sativa71.
'...and musical sounds that cover more ground than the shadow cast by John Tesh's head.'
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5,412 posts since 10/21/2002
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Posted on 3/16/2004 at 11:01:01 PM
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Yea really great reviews guys!
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HEY THERE`S A SPIDER ON YOUR BACK!
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3,905 posts since 11/25/2002
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Posted on 3/17/2004 at 10:44:46 AM
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thanks for the review sat
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32,032 posts since 2/19/2003
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Posted on 3/17/2004 at 5:51:35 PM
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I've been slacking - this weekend I will definitely get mine up. Busybusybusybusy...
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DerugifsnarT
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15,543 posts since 7/4/2002
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Posted on 3/18/2004 at 2:41:19 AM
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Yeah, yeah.....;)
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Needles to say... you took drugs.
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7,014 posts since 2/19/2002
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Posted on 3/18/2004 at 3:26:14 PM
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hmmm, after repeated listens I have to say the Burnout-track is quite a grower
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knolraap en lof, schorseneren en prei
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