Album Type : Full Length
Date Released : 08/10/2013
Label : Small Stone Recordings
Adelphophagia, album track listing :
1). Never Liked You
2). Astrolabe
3). One Eye
4). Heartfelt
5). Ask The Sky
6). You Try It
7). Dirge
8). I'm Afraid Of Americans
9). Remember What I Said
Bio :
Adelphophagia is their second album.
The title of Luder’s 2009 debut, Sonoluminescence, referred to sound waves reacting on passing through a substance to create light -- sort of a long way around to expressing the illumination the four players felt came through their collaborating, but fitting.
Progressive, psychedelic, stylistically intricate, the album was recorded and mixed by Eric Hoegemeyer at Rustbelt Studios and mastered by Chris Gooseman. Comprising 10 songs that effectively blended Luder’s diverse influences, tracks flowed seamlessly from driving dark prog to languid shoegazing, bassist Sue Lott’s vocals tying pieces together with the apparent effortlessness of a virtuoso.
So it is four years later, on Luder’s follow-up, Adelphophagia. Another research-worthy title – this one relating to the phenomenon of one embryo consuming another in utero – and another deeply varied collection of textural, smooth, frequently heavy rock and roll that has as much in common with Portishead as it does with Black Sabbath.
Sue, Phil, Scott and Eric once again recorded with Hoegemeyer (who also contributes piano, backing vocals, percussion, etc.), and as well as boldly taking on David Bowie’s 1997 single, “I’m Afraid of Americans,” the album pushes Luder’s creative breadth further; new, dominant ideas and methods consuming others over a years-long writing period to become the expansive scope of “Dirge” or the grunge-y attitude-drenched kissoff “Never Liked You.” Luder find room to balance their love of classic prog in “KrautJam” with an organic song writing sensibility – the sweet melodies of its chorus are as memorable as they are exploding with color.
Shows are sporadic, but Luder has shared the stage with Kyuss Lives!, Fu Manchu, Lo-Pan, Freedom Hawk, Lord Fowl, Suplecs, Dixie Witch, House of Broken Promises, Gozu and many others. As Luder come into their own on Adelphophagia, look to catch them on stage periodically and expect to be consumed by their warm and eerily welcome wash
Band :
Sue Lott: bass and vox
Eric Miller: drums and percussion
Phil Dürr: guitar and leads
Scott Hamilton: guitar and effects
Eric Miller: drums and percussion
Phil Dürr: guitar and leads
Scott Hamilton: guitar and effects
Additional Players:
Eric Hoegemeyer: piano, backing vox, percussion, sounds
Matthew Richards: backing vocals and other noises
Eric Hoegemeyer: piano, backing vox, percussion, sounds
Matthew Richards: backing vocals and other noises
Review :
One of my favourite things about writing about music is that I get the chance to listen to and review music that I have never heard of before. Some albums simply don’t move you, but once in a while, an album finds its way to you and smacks you square in the face. Luckily, the latest album from Luder falls into the latter of the aforementioned categories.
One of my favourite things about writing about music is that I get the chance to listen to and review music that I have never heard of before. Some albums simply don’t move you, but once in a while, an album finds its way to you and smacks you square in the face. Luckily, the latest album from Luder falls into the latter of the aforementioned categories.
From the off, the album is a groove laden feast for the ears. The bass tone is awesome. It rolls around and simmers throughout the whole record. Match these up with some stunning guitar work that veers between sludge, stoner, doom and psyche rock, and the concoction is lethally good. Driving the album on is the drumming that switches tempo throughout with aplomb. It really is tremendous. The mix of male and female vocals are dreamy throughout which heighten the predominantly stoner vibe, although the band definitely cannot be pigeon holed as a stoner rock band.
Of the tracks, I'd struggle to find fault with any of them. ‘Never Liked You’ has some glorious open riffs with driving drums which whet the pallet perfectly for the rest of the record. ‘One Eye’ is a sprawling beast that festers anxiously before exploding with cymbals crashing and a euphoric guitar melody. ‘Heartfelt’ plays with many tempos and allows the guitars to build to a climax of ‘wah-wah’ effects. One of the album’s many high points is the expansive ‘Dirge.’ The track is a near ten minute psychedelic delight. The rolling bass and crashing drums again possess the track with untameable groove, whilst the guitars and vocals add some stunning colour to the picture. An ambitious take of David Bowie’s ‘I’m Afraid of Americans’ pays off in abundance. Some of the riffs at the start of the track and throughout are reminiscent of Rage Against The Machine. Album closer, ‘Remember What I Said’ is another slab of pure groove and goodness.
‘Adephophagia’ is a triumphant record. When there is so much dross around in the music world, Luder can help restore your faith. Whilst being riff laden, and heavy, the album is certainly a record that could appeal to a wider audience. If you’re a fan of Kyuss, Orange Goblin, Sleep or Fu Manchu, this album will certainly not let you down.
Words by : Dominic Walsh
As ever, show your support to the band by checking them out at the various links. You can buy the DD here now and record will be available from 8/10/2013. Thanks to Scott @ Small Small Recordings.
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