Wednesday 8 October 2014

Wallace Vanborn - The Orb We Absorb (Album Review)


Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 31st October 2014
Label: TSR Records

The Orb We Absorb - track listing:

1. Light In The Dark
2. Supply & The Damned
3. Skipping Loops
4. A Bee And A Buzz
5. Devolution
6. Vampires (Big Drain)
7. Revealers
8. Wizard Casts Blizzard
9. When The Riders...
10. Regenerating Mantra
11. Welcome To The Wastelands
12. Wave Goodbye
13. Dark In The Light

Bio

Wallace Vanborn are back!

The fearsome threesome hailing from Ghent (Belgium) are about to release their long awaited third album, “The Orb We Absorb” late October. 2014

Earlier this spring, Ian Clement (vocals / guitar), Dries Hoof (bass) and Sylvester Vanborm (drums) went camping at the infamous Rancho De La Luna – studio in Joshua Tree, California: the epicenter of all great rock ’n roll (Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Mark Lanegan, PJ Harvey, Arctic Monkeys) whilst Chris Goss – godfather of desertock – was responsible for the production, mix and spiritual guidance on what might be the dirtiest sound the band has released thus far.

During the 13 new tracks on “The Orb We Absorb”, they'll be destroying whatever processed beats are the new flavor of the week with a timeless rock album aimed at opening minds and opening eyes. Time for a wake up call. Time for a dark, heavy record and music with a soul for actual people. Mindless consumers, be advised.

Members

Ian Clement (vocals / guitar)
Dries Hoof (bass)
Sylvester Vanborm (drums)

Review:

I have only been a fan of Wallace Vanborn for over a year or so. A friend recommended me to them saying and I quote "Stoner Rock with an Electron Rock vibe". I checked out a few of their videos on YouTube and I was intrigued. Their 2nd album – Lions, Liars, Guns & God - is a soaring collection of Stoner Rock tunes mixing Hard Rock and shades of Electronic Rock. The vocals can be off-kilter at times but that's part of Wallace Vanborn's charm. They play by their own rules.

'Their 3rd album - The Orb We Absorb - takes the band into heavier space rock territory like never before. Check k out the excellent album cover to see where this band and album is heading. Straightforward Stoner Rock riffs mixed with shades of Electronic rock but driven by a heavy and dangerous dose of Space Rock. Shades of Monster Magnet can be heard on the album at times but that is a good thing. As it gives a good indication on what to expect for the next 53 minutes or so.

The Orb We Absorb maybe a hard album for some listeners to actually like. It is not the most straightforward of albums as it takes time for the huge riffs to come by but if you are in the mood for something different and edgy then you will find much to admire with The Orb We Absorb. It has an epic science fiction and fantasy vibe to it especially where the song titles and lyrics are concerned. The 13 songs included here, show a band not afraid to experiment with the standard Stoner Rock sound by adding electronic sounds that gives the album a crazier and out of control feel compared to other Stoner Rock albums.

The Orb We Absorb is packed full of great tunes that shows how talented the band actually are. 3 albums in and Wallace Vanborn are starting to feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Tracks such as Revealers, Vampires (Big Drain), Supply & The Damned and Wizard Cats Blizzard are some of the standout tracks on the album as it's where Wallace Vanborn are having the most fun playing. You can feel the passion and creativity that went into making this album. The vocals have a slight indie-rock feel to them but do not let that distract you from the heavy cosmic riffs that Wallace Vanborn have in store with you.

The 2nd half of the album is where most people will probably find the most enjoyment as that is where things become heavier and the experimental vibe is kept to a bare minimum. Though I dig the whole feel of the album as it feels like an out-of-body experience though you do not know where you will end up or how you got there. The only thing that matters is to enjoy the ride as it's going to be one trippy wild ride into the cosmos.

The production is excellent through out as Wallace Vanborn pack a different amount of sounds and noises to confuse and entertain you with. The Orb We Absorb is a complex and highly intelligent offering from one of Belgium's most creative and forward thinking rock bands. It won't be to everyone’s taste but if you want to hear something different and original then you're going to dig this album in a big way. All in all this is an excellent release for all you Space/Cosmic/Stoner Rock fans to check out whether you're based in this galaxy of one far, far away.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Thomas at TSR Records for sending me a promo to review. The Orb We Absorb will be available to buy on CD/Vinyl/DD from October 31st 2014 from TSR Records. You can buy the CD/Vinyl from this website.

Written by: Steve Howe


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