Album
Type:
EP
Date
Released:
July 2015
Label:
Helmet
Lady Records
Demonstration
2 - Track Listing:
1.Five 03:20
2.Six 04:21
3.Seven 01:48
4.Eight 11:56
Bio
Shepherd is a
Bangalore-based sludge/heavy rock band that's been making waves in
the underground since its coming together in early 2011. Drawing
Influence from the guitar driven sounds of early 90's hard rock
(Soundgarden, The Melvins, Eyehategod) and 80's hardcore punk (Black
Flag, Discharge), the band has built a reputation for itself as an
ever-evolving and unpredictable heavy rock entity.
Shepherd is
Michael |
(Bass/Vocals)
Namit |
(Guitar/Vocals)
Deepak |
(Drums/Vocals)
Review:
What
a year it has been for Sludge/Doom/Stoner Riffsters – Shepherd. A
debut album - Stereolithic Riffalocalypse – that's been been
acclaimed by fans and critics alike. An album that is still going
strong on the infamous Doom Charts almost 5 months after it's initial
release.
Since
then Shepherd have signed an exclusive vinyl deal with rising record
label – Helmet Lady Records – who are going to release
Stereolithic Riffalocalypse on Vinyl very soon but also their
previous release – Demonstration 2 – which was released
originally ages ago. Demonstration 2 features four unpolished and raw
tracks that shows early signs of Shepherd branching out to the band
they are known for today. It's purely instrumental and some of the
songs end abruptly. So don't go expecting a high end finish featured
on their acclaimed debut album. As these songs were written and
recorded when Shepherd were finding their own identity.
You can still hear familiar riffs and rhythms on the EP but Demonstration 2 is to show you what might of become of the band if they didn't decide to add vocals to the mix. 3 of the songs are only for a few minutes in length and whilst they are exciting tracks, there's something missing here. I don't know if I missed the vocals or the wicked sense of humour that the debut album had. This is definitely an EP showing a band trying to discover who they are and what they actually want to be.
I
will say that the epic 4th track – Eight – is a
stunning 12 minute epic that I would love to see the band use for
future releases as it's a kickass Sludge/Doom/Stoner Rock hybrid that
the band would eventually use for their debut album. Eight has the
potential to be a future Shepherd classic if they work on some of the
rough edges and maybe cut a few minutes from it.
Demonstration
2 is a fantastic way for Shepherd to introduce themselves to the
world of Vinyl and Helmet Lady Records. Whilst I won't be buying
this, a few other vinyl freaks will go fucking crazy over this. I'm
waiting for the main event from Shepherd. Stereolithic
Riffalocalypse on Vinyl.
Words
by Steve Howe
Demonstration
2 is available to buy digitally now. Demonstration 2 will be released
on limited edition Vinyl from Helmet Lady Records around July 2015.
Thanks to Shepherd for the promo.
For
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