FOR THOSE ABOOT TO ROCK: Riffs of Canada with Dead Ranch (Winnipeg) & Dead Tired (Hamilton)

By: Mark Tremblay

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 14/04/2017

Label: Independent

“Brumation” DD track listing:

1). An Awkward Moan

2). Blood Staff

3). Tarred and Feathered

4). Garrulous

5). False Negative

6). The Skinning

7). Maple Ape

The Review:

“Brumation” is the long awaited sophomore record from Winnipeg’s Dead Ranch.  For those familiar with the band’s savannah influenced debut, “Brumation” will be a welcomed darker and more nuanced record.

Upon first listen, you are immediately grabbed by the riff-salad that engulfs this record. The team of Chad Alsop and Andre Cornejo meet expectations and then some with their guitar compositions. Each song on this record showcases a signature riff; be it the extremely heavy turn in “An Awkward Moan”, the noodly riffs of “Blood Staff” and the Baroness and Mastodon references on “The Skinning” and “Maple Ape”. This is by far the most satisfying riff-heavy record of the year.

All of this would not be possible, however, without the steadying work of drummer Ryley Devine and bassist Alana Mercer. Both lay the groundwork for the songs to keep afloat, but shine in their moments. Alana’s bass work particularly comes through on songs like “Maple Ape”.  “Brumation” is a classic sludge metal record from start to finish. If you long for those early albums from Baroness and Mastodon, then this is not a record to be missed.

“Brumation” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 07/04/2017

Label: New Damage Records

“Vol.2” 7”//DD track listing:

1). Here Comes The Fall

2). Complicated Pleasures

3). Hedonic Adaptation

The Review:

Flying under-the-radar are Hamiton, Ontario’s best hardcore band, Dead Tired who release theirsecond EP “Vol.2”. This EP is darker and more metallic than any of their previous offerings.  “Here Comes the Fall” is the closest the band has ever come out to writing a pure sludge metal track, and the guest vocals of Damian Abraham are very welcomed.

“Vol.2” quickly returns to Dead Tired’s signature no-bullshit hardcore sound with “Complicated Pleasures” and “Hedonic Adaptations”. The lyircal themes of the EP seem to suggest complicated interpersonal feelings; much less tongue-and-cheek than tracks like “Punks at the Gym” off of the first album. All in all, this is a must for those who enjoy their hardcore with a twist. “Vol.2” is worthy of a listen

“Vol.2” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook