Album
Type:
EP
Date
Released:
24th
March 2015
Label:
Self
Released
Scavenger
Cult – Track Listing
1. Play On
2. All Creatures
Kill
3. Sharpening Knives
Bio
The solo project of
BRETT NETSON, well-known for his time spent in Built To Spill,
Caustic Resin, on Earth’s most recent album and much more, will
debut this Winter, as BRETT NETSON & SNAKES prepares their
Scavenger Cult EP for release.
Spawned in Idaho’s
Great Basin/Snake River Plain, Brett Netson specializes in heavy,
psychedelic, lowdown rock and roll guitar; in some ways, that’s all
a person needs to know. But with the upcoming release of his newest
full-time project – BRETT NETSON & SNAKES, and the band’s
debut, Scavenger Cult — as with the artist’s ‘2009′ intimate
solo doomsday meditation, Simple Work For the Dead, and all six of
Caustic Resin’s full-length releases, there is much evidence that
there are different dimensions to Netson’s existential, freak out
rock records. “The spirit made it through with no digitization”
Recorded on 2” 16-track tape with Jason Ringelstetter at Tonic Room
in Boise, Idaho, mixed to 1/2″ tape by Steve Lobdell at Audible
Alchemy in Portland, Oregon with analog mastering at Salt Mastering
in Brooklyn, New York, the release features drummer Steve Gere, and
stereo bass contributions from Ian Waters and Josh Gallaway, in
addition to guitar, bass and vocals courtesy of Netson.
Issues the frontman
of his latest venture, “Scavenger Cult was made specifically for
the decent ‘70s tuners and turntables that you can still
occasionally find at yard sales, pawn shops and thrift stores. Crank
this motherfucker up, open the front door and sit on the porch.
Smoke, drink, whatever, and just be okay with your damn self and ALL
the crazy shit that you are.”
Review:
I
didn't know what to expect with Scavenger Cult. The Debut EP from
Brett Netson & Snakes. At first I thought this was a Country Rock
outfit - (Apologies Brett). Then I read Brett's impressive bio and I
knew I had to give this EP a chance. Brett Netson has performed and
worked with legendary bands and musicians such as Mark Lanegan and
EARTH. Plus he used to be part of legendary rockers – Caustic
Resin.
The
Press PR Sheet said that Scavenger Cult features Heavy Psychedelic
Low-Down Rock and Roll. Now that intrigued me and I give Scavenger
Cult a spin. WOAH!!! - Wasn't I impressed straight away with the
opening track - Play On - that plays like a love letter to all things
Space Rock, Desert Rock and Stoner Metal. Imagine Monster Magnet in a
more reflective mood with shades of Americana appearing. Play On is
pure spaced out riffs with a trippy sideline of delicate hooks to
impress you with. Brett is on fine form with passionate vocals to
match. The EP has a subtle drone atmosphere hiding in the background
that gives Scavenger Cult a more rugged appeal.
Second
track - All Creatures Kill sees Brett Netson & Snakes offer a
more heartfelt approach compared to the opening track. It's a creepy
and more subdued offering that allows the band play some impressive
Stoner based riffs that have a sense of sadness and anguish. It's
more of a doom and gloom affair where the music speaks for itself.
This song has shades of EARTH running through its veins which isn't
surprising considering that Brett worked on their last album. Don't
be fooled though as this is still a work of stunning originality in
it's own right.
Wait
until you hear the final track as Brett Netson & Snakes prove
they are worth giving a thing about. The final track - Sharpening
Knives - is 11 minutes of droned out, psychedelic stoner/desert rock
riffs with impressive atmospheric vocals to match. This is where the
band trip out into Space Rock territory in a big way as the riffs are
HUGE. The music comes crashing around you with the band embracing
their Psychedelic Stoner Metal sound. I would love to see and hear
this song played live as its powerful ride into the unknown. One of
the other highlights of this song is Brett's vocals as he reminds me
of a younger Dave Wyndorf. Scavenger Cult is a brilliant ride from
start to finish.
Don't
pass this EP by as you'll regret it. If you want something bold and
daring in the realm of Psychedelic Space Rock/Stoner Rock then
Scavenger Cult is a must-have release. I can't wait to hear the debut
full length album from Brett Netson & Snakes as these guys have
some unfinished business that an EP is never enough. Incredible. As
Brett wisely states - Crank this motherfucker up!!!
Thanks
to Earsplit PR for the promo. Scavenger Cult will be available to buy
on DD/Vinyl from March 24th 2015.
Words
by Steve Howe
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