Album Type:
EP
Date Released:
22nd
Sept 2014
Label:
Box Records
Psychopomp –
Track Listing
1.Psychopomp 21:18
2.Joseph Curwen -
Psychopomp (Joseph Curwen Remix) 21:53
Members
Sam Grant
Matthew James Baty
Johnny Hedley
Adam Ian Sykes
Ewan Mackenzie
Review:
“Psychopomp”
is the second release from Newcastle sonic attack unit Pigs Pigs Pigs
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (henceforth referred to as Pigs x 7 for the sake
of my fingers and sanity) taking the form of a single 21 minute
cosmic journey into the heart of infinity. Featuring members of
excellent Glaswegian doom droners Ommadon and the absolutely
terrifying Khünnt amongst others, Pigs x 7 opt for a far less
punishing approach but still deliver a satisfyingly heavy racket.
The
voyage begins in calm instrumental territory. Wah and reverb-heavy
clean guitars create a hazy evocative atmosphere reminiscent of the
widescreen prog meditations of Grails and the minimal twang of Earth.
The rhythm section settles into a simple yet shifting beat adorned
with a one note bass pulse. The overall effect is hypnotic and
reminiscent of the quieter moments of renowned explorers of the outer
limits Bardo Pond. Pigs x 7 could have explored this rich musical
landscape for the full epic duration of this track without boredom
ever setting in. However, after 5 minutes all backing fades to leave
the bass in full focus, introducing a rolling stoner riff which the
rest of the band take as an invitation to launch “Psychopomp”
into the depths of space and beyond.
Layers
of glorious distortion descend transforming the song into a
triumphant hybrid of the desert Sabbath fuzz of Kyuss and the retro
overloaded psych noise of Comets on Fire. The echo chamber vocals are
particularly reminiscent of the latter band but opt for an
aggressive, metallic howl as opposed to bluesy grit. The initial riff
twists and turns through different forms before slowing to a more
soporific pace and delivering a groove Sleep would be proud of. The
final stretch of the track sees the guitars strive for higher and
higher planes as the rhythm becomes ever more frantic until all
elements fall into chaos, eventually boiling away to nothing. After
catching your breath for a few quiet moments you will then feel an
urge to take this exhilarating ride again.
Also
featured here is a remix of “Psychopomp” by Joseph Curwen. He is
a new name to me but anyone billed as a “Lovecraft inspired droner”
can’t be bad as far as I’m concerned. The remix doesn’t
disappoint on this promise either. Curwen creates a 21 minute cloud
of shifting, minimal drone from what seems to be shards of guitars
and noise from the main track. Snatches of vocals are taken to create
disembodied wordless moans to complete the eerie vibe.
This
is a thoroughly satisfying release from Pigs x 7, although only
consisting of one track and a remix more ground is covered here than
most bands can hope to tread throughout an entire back catalogue. My
only complaint is that the initial run of 50 tapes of “Psychopomp”
is already sold out, gahhhhh! It is available as a digital release
though via Box Records bandcamp and a second run is promised to
materialise sometime in the near future. A release of this magnitude
is worthy of a fine vinyl release though, here’s hoping that
happens soon.
Words by Charlie Butler
Thanks
to Matt at Box Records for sending us a promo to review.
Unfortunately the limited edition cassette is long gone. But you can
still buy this fine heavy slab of weirdness on Digital Download.
For
more information
