Thursday 1 May 2014

OXCROSS - Tree And Stone - Album Review

Tree and Stone cover art

Album TypeAlbum
Date Released: 15th April 2014
Label: Self Released

Sativa Root S/T track listing:

1.A Beginning Without An End 04:25
2.Black Mark 06:31
3.Infinite Loop 04:14
4.Rivers 05:10
5.Rising & Falling 03:59
6.Wither & Crumble 05:35
7.Seventh Son 05:17
8.Fiery Fields 06:24

Bio:

Hi, we’re Oxcross. We decided to write our own bio, rather than have some crafty wordsmith convince you we’re the next big thing in 124 words or less.

We’re from Salt Lake City, UT. We like loud amps and big riffs. We’re a group of friends and we like playing music together. This isn’t Batman, there’s no origin story; well, maybe there is. Taylor Williams (vox, guitar) moved back to SLC, from Denver, where he had been fronting the band Black Sleep of Kali. He wanted to start another thing in SLC, so he called up Andy Patterson, who also drums for the mighty Subrosa and Iota. Then he called Dave Jones who plays bass in Dwellers, and Old Timer, and Jeff Anderson who plays guitar in Top Dead Celebrity with Andy as well. Utah bands are similar to Utah marriages, you can’t have just one.

We just finished a record, and gosh darn it, we’re proud of it. You should listen to our record, or come see us live. We like playing shows. And then you can buy a shirt, and stick a sticker on your back window and the circle of life will be complete.

The Band Members

Andy Patterson: drums
Jeff Anderson: guitar
Taylor Williams: guitar/vox
Dave Jones: bass

Review:

Oxcross are a band that recently grabbed my attention with their debut album - Tree and Stone. Oxcross are a band that features members from bands such as Black Sleep of Kali, Subrosa, The Dwellers and Top Dead Celebrity. With that hard-rocking pedigree you’re know your in for something special and I am happy to report that Tree and Stone is an absolute marvel to listen to from start to finish.

Everything about this album oozes Class. It’s an album built on melody, clever lyrics and passionate vocals. If you’re a fan of Baroness, Mastodon and Torche then Oxcross deserve your attention now, as this album is a hard-rocking experience you cannot do without. First track – A Beginning without an End – perfectly sets the scene in what’s in store for the next 40 minutes or so. Riffs, Riffs and even more riffs.

Tree and Stone is a debut album you cannot do without if you’re a fan of riffs that Mastodon and Baroness used to create back in the day. Though Oxcross still have their own great style of riffs. The album feels like a greatest hits collection rather than a debut album. It pulls you in from the start and takes you on a rollercoaster ride full of thrills of spills with lyrics you will be singing aloud for days especially on Black Mark.

Oxcross takes elements from the members other bands and gives it a Sludge Rock makeover that will last long in the memory. The dual vocals have a true DIY feel to them. People might complain the vocals could have done with some more work but not me. The vocals are the perfect match for the superb music on show. Oxcross showcases what being in a band is all about. Four friends writing great songs and having fun at the same time.

Oxcross do venture into heavier territory on the album, which you don’t quite expect. Infinite Loop being the best example of this where Oxcross throw the hammer down for some heavy blazing riffs that will have you head banging in no time at all.

Tree and Stone is brilliantly produced through out as it perfectly captures the band doing what they do best. Rocking out and leaving you with a warm and heavy fuzzy feeling inside just like the band’s own description of themselves. Riffs, Beers, Amps and Hugs. The perfect way to describe this album.

And it’s a complete steal at $2 on BandCamp. You won’t be sorry. As this album beats a lot of full priced albums into submission. It’s a brilliant album. Do yourself a favour and get yourself a copy now.

Check the Band from Links Below


Written by Steve Howe