I do like a bit of stoner doom and Wyndrider, from the mountains of East Tennessee fit the bill perfectly. Fronted by the deliciously soulful vocals of Chloe Gould, the band’s second album Revival is the natural successor to their self-titled debut that came out last year. Drenched in Sabbath-esque fuzziness, there’s a real high-quality style to the band’s delivery, even if it’s a genre where music can often sound similar. Gould has been compared to Grace Slick and even Elin Larsson, and I can see why, for her vocals resonate with a deep richness. Despite inevitable comparisons with the likes of Blood Ceremony, Lucifer and a host of other bands, I can hear something a little different in Wyndrider’s flavours. There’s a darkness that hangs over the album, unsurprising given the lyrical content, which focuses on their home in the Appalachian Mountains and the “smoke and mirrors of life in the Bible Belt”.
It’s a strong opening with Forked Tongue Revival setting the pace, whilst Judas ensures interest is maintained with its meandering mid-section and downtuned guitar work that sees Robbie Willis lead whilst bassist Joshuwah Herald and drummer Josh Brock keep the low end intact. Riffs aplenty throughout, there’s a massive wave on Devil’s Den, with the hypnotic sway intoxica
tion, which contrasts with the smouldering and brooding feel of Remember the Sabbath. Although it slows a little in the final straight, there’s still plenty to enjoy as The Wheel grinds through to the closing point.
Hauntingly epic, ghostly and intoxicating in equal measure, stoner doom is often done to a high standard and Wyndrider have ensured that another name is added to that ever-growing list.
Revival is out now on Electric Valley Records
Review by Hutch
No comments:
Post a Comment