Monday 26 November 2012

Greenleaf - 'Nest of Vipers' (Album Review)

By: John Slaymaker

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 12/6/2012 
Label: Small Stone Recordings
 


‘Tree of Life’ has a fantastic psychedelic introduction and Truckfighters vocalist Oskar Cederamalm gives his all during the verses with slightly dreamy sequences which lead into some sweet band wig out’s.  The beauty of this album is that each song is an epic stoner masterpiece, each song is completely different from the next with epic structuring and assorted vibes and grooves

‘Nest of Vipers’ CD//DD//LP tracklisting

1) Jack Staff (4:10)
2) Case of Fidelity (4:01)
3) Lilith (4:07)
4) Tree of life (4:07)
5) Dreamcatcher (3:54)
6) At the Helm (5:47)
7) Sunken ships (4:11)
8) The Timelines History (4:06)
9) Nest of Vipers (A Multitude of Sins) (8:12)

Greenleaf is
Tommi Holappa | Guitar
Bengt Backe | Bass
Olle Marthans | Drums
Johan Rockner | Guitar
Oskar Cederalmam | Vocals

The Review

Immediately as ‘Jack Staff’ comes in bouncing off the back of the guitar intro to be blown across the room by this formidable huge sound. Reminiscent of Dozer and Demon Cleaner but that’s ok because Greenleaf is made out of members from those bands and more. Former and current members from Lowrider and Truckfighters too

Tracks like ‘Case of Fidelity’ and ‘Lilith’ sound a lot like they should be on Dozer albums, especially the latter,  but that again is ok too. With Tommi Holappa’s exciting and exuberant guitar riffs and licks he makes this album stand out from the rather crowded stoner scene for sheer quality of the song writing.  Greenleaf truly are a super group of the Swedish underground.

‘Tree of Life’ has a fantastic psychedelic introduction and Truckfighters vocalist Oskar Cederamalm gives his all during the verses with slightly dreamy sequences which lead into some sweet band wig out’s.  The beauty of this album is that each song is an epic stoner masterpiece, each song is completely different from the next with epic structuring and assorted vibes and grooves. Just listen to At the Helm’ clocking in at 5:47 with its wave smashing riffs; it is a serious contender to fight off a Kraken any day.

Now the most commercial track is the four minute perfect pop of Sunken Ships’ which really does immediately remind me of the Foo Fighters at their stadium filling best.  Oh well!  The last track clocks in at over eight minutes and is called ‘Nest of Vipers (A Multitude of Sins)’ and is my favourite by far.  As a very typical and catchy opening guitar line of about four or five notes at most but with timing and pace to kill for, complete with real chilled out vocals and slow fuzzy breaks accompanied by Hammond splurges creating just the right atmosphere.  Hazy, warm and stoned. This band Greenleaf, 12 years old and five corking albums under their belts.... not bad for a side project eh?

You can buy the DD and Limited Edition vinyl here

FFO: Truckfighters, Dozer, Lowrider, Demon Cleaner


 

Band info: Facebook