Album Type: Full Length
Date Released:
Sept
5th 2014
Label:
Napalm Records
Slab City -
track listing:
1. Coma
2. Liquid Gold
3. Slab City
4. Pisser
5. Quaaludes and
Interludes
6. Roadhead
7. Machine
8. Hanoid
9. Rising
10. Old Timer D.W.
Bio
They
say the British prefer their steak bloody, almost most of them still
eat it raw. However, here lies an English piece of meat ahead, that
has been cooked through and previously depended rather well. One
could almost say that this thing is really nice and dry. "Dry"
is the right term for describing the sound of these four young men
from London. Nothing is inflated, anything artificial and nothing
pimped. Slab City sounds like a smelly rehearsal room, beer, sweat
and honest work. Dry, groovy Stoner Rock, inspired by genre greats
such as Dozers, Freedom Hawk, Fu Manchu or of course the almighty
Kyuss, associated with a few spacey influences from the psychedelic
Monster Magnet corner. The band was founded in 2010, previously
published two EPs, which kicked up dust, not only because of its
immensely powerful songs but also because of their original comic
artwork, with clear concept. The alter egos of the four band members
fight in the comic strips, the evil forces of Evil Lazarus, and these
sometimes very humorous stories will of course find their way into
the lyrics. STEAK - certainly not an everyday Stoner band.
Slab
City was produced by Harper Hug (Vista Chino, Brant Bjork, Nick
Oliveri) and co-produced by Unida’s guitarist Arthur Seay, and will
feature guest vocals from desert rock legend John Garcia. As for each
one of their releases, the artwork was made by DC Comics artist
Eduardo Ferigato and falls within the course of STEAK‘s epic saga.
Band Members
Kippa -Vocals
Cam - Bass
Reece - Guitar
Sammy - Drums
Review:
Within
a short space of time, Steak has risen to the top of the UK Stoner
Rock scene with their blistering and sometimes humorous take on the
Desert Rock/Fuzz/Stoner Rock genre. Steak have released two
critically acclaimed EPs with 2012's Disastronaught and 2013's Corned
Beef Colossus which was produced by Truckfighters – Mr Ozo. Plus
they have a formidable live reputation. Newly signed to Napalm
Records, Steak announced earlier in 2014 they would be recording
their debut album – Slab City.
Slab
City is finally here. Has it been worth the wait? You betcha.
This
is the Stoner Rock album of the year for me as Slab City is a heavy
dosage of finely tuned heavy riffing Stoner Rock of the highest
order. Steak have outdone themselves here. This is Steak's calling
card to the big time as this album is a pulsating 48 minute blast
which fans will be falling themselves over for. Seriously its that
great.
Opening
track - COMA - starts with an ambient-based slow desert/fuzz rock
riff before the lead vocals of Kippa come screeching in to awaken you
from a very deep sleep. The riffs are played at a loud and almost
bone-crunching level, as Steak don't mess around here. They are
pumped up and primed to destroy everyone that stands in their way.
COMA
is a great way to start the album. The next track is a re-recording
of an old Steak classic - Liquid Gold from their last EP. Don't worry folks, as this is a slightly reworked version, which runs about
10 seconds longer. The old magic of the original still shines through
from time to time but this is more Liquid Gold version 2.0. Shades of
Kyuss and Truckfighters may be recognised by some listeners. Its
still one of the finest songs that Steak have written so far. No
wonder they included it on Slab City, as they know how to please
their fans.
Steak
have added a more spacey atmospheric vibe to their music, which
evokes memories of Monster Magnet in their prime. Though its too
Steaks credit the album definitely has its own feel and sound to
impress you with. 3rd track - Slab City is a fast paced grooving
riffing machine that will have you being apart of Steak's vision 100%.
There is no turning back. Just sit back and enjoy the round. The fuzz
rock overtones will take you to a completely new level of excitement.
Steak
have called upon some of their famous pals and direct influences to
help deliver one of the albums standout tracks. An epic 7-minute
track packed full of twists and turns that prove without a doubt why
Steak are so highly thought of with Kisser. They must be as they
duet with a Stoner Metal legend. The one and only - John Garcia - who
lends his trademark soulful grizzly vocals to this storming track.
It has shades of Kyuss running through its veins but with a more
atmospheric space rock guitar drifting through. Just close your eyes
and embrace the magical vision of Kippa and John laying down some
epic vocals.
Like
their previous two EPs, Slab City has a distinctive Science Fiction
vibe with a slight nod to Superheroes. Its what their EPs were built
around. A cool concept of going against a power crazy warlord. Though
the story is very different here. But the main focus is the music.
Slab City is one highly addictive drug that is very hard to give up.
Tracks such as Roadhead and Machine carry on the rich desert rock sun
vibes to their natural conclusion. Mainly more powerful riffs and
groove based vocals from Kippa. Machine is another reworked track
from their previous EP - Corned Beef Colossus. It's slightly heavier
than the original with the music blasting way through your speakers.
The
albums standout track has to be the 8:11 minute epic track - Rising -
as it sees Steak fuse blistering Stoner Rock anthemic vocals finely
tuned Space Rock riffs once more for a track that will soon get under
your skin. It may start very quietly but as time moves on, Steak
start to add different noises and sounds to the mix including heavy
distorted voices. This gives this track a cold and calculating
mysterious feel. Though it's the excellent Stoner vibes that really
shine through.
Steak
have delivered an excellent and powerful debut album that will see
them rise to the top of the UK Stoner Rock scene and beyond. Steak
have the potential to influence the next generation of Stoner Rock
outlaws.
Slab
City is a must have album. It's the Stoner Rock album of the year for
me. No question.
Thanks
to Mona at Napalm Records for sending me a copy. Slab City will be
available to buy from the following dates on CD/DD/Vinyl on Napalm Records.
Release
Dates:
01.09.2014
UK
05.09.2014
G/A/S, BENELUX & FIN
08.09.2014
Rest of Europe
09.09.2014
USA/CAN
10.09.2014
NOR/SWE/ESP
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