TRACK PREMIERE: "Years of Sorrow" by Bone Man

Bone Man is a psychedelic rock band from Kiel, Germany. The trio was established in times of all-embracing teenage angst and has been concerned since these days with all the human absurdities one is exposed to in a world of mundane welfare and mental poverty.

While their live shows are usually characterized by a good deal of raw energy with several guitars already falling victim to their excessive performance, generous heaps of melancholy and hidden folk elements are to be found in Bone Man's songs as well. Aside from folk rock and 70s progressive rock, their musical influences include 90s grunge bands such as Soundgarden and the versatile music of John Frusciante.

Since 2009, Bone Man have been touring constantly through Europe, including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria and Italy. During their ten-year band history, they published nine releases altogether: A demo album, one EP, three split releases, one single and three full-length albums on vinyl and CD.

Their upcoming album titled “III” is scheduled for April 22^nd and will be released on Pink Tank Records. This is all about raw fuzz rock, rage, human deficiencies, the mental abyss and the inner swamp lands. You can preorder the album here

So to hell with waiting another few days for the record, today we can exclusively reveal a brand new track entitled “Years of Sorrow” which you can check out below.  We have also include a few words from the band casting more light on what we can expect from the album

"We wrote this album in a relatively short period of time (autumn of 2016), yet sometimes you'd have older bits and pieces flowing around, like short melodies and text fragments that never made it into full-fledged songs. "Years of Sorrow" is such a song – here, some elements of older, more melancholic origin blend with new material of more cynical nature to create an array of contradicting emotions that fits the overall concept of the album."

Band info: facebook

Kalamata - 'You' (Album Review)

By: Chris Tedor

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 21/09/2015

Label: Pink Tank Records

Channelling the sounds of 70's space rock and the 80's/90's underground stoner/doom scene, they cover an exciting amount of ground and seamlessly fuse their influences into an intense journey.  What really impresses me about these guys is that they just started a year ago, which is a great sign.  A band who’s sound is this fully realized, this early on,  should move from being really good to exceptional.

“You” LP  track listing:

1). You (07:04)

2). Have (06:33)

3). To (07:17)

4). Die (07:36)

5). Soon (03:57)

6). Mother (03:31)

7). Fucker (07:14)

Kalamata is

Guitar | Peter Jaun
Bass | Maik Blümke
Drums | Olly Opitz

The Review:

Hildesheim Germany's Kalamata come blasting out and taking off with their first release “You.” Channelling the sounds of 70's space rock and the 80's/90's underground stoner/doom scene, they cover an exciting amount of ground and seamlessly fuse their influences into an intense journey and confirming our hatred of Europe for having cooler new bands than us. On to the review!

A long open lead line with just a bit of slap back delay begins the first track “You” while setting the tone for the rest of the album. Preparing you for when the rest of the band kicks in full gear. It's pretty cool song writing how Kalamata waits to kick the drums in after the rest of the band comes in heavy giving them that much more impact when they hit. The highlight of this track is the guitar solo which is a wah drenched tonefest with some tasteful playing.

The second track “Have” begins with a huge opening section which reminds me of a lower tempo “Age of Winters” era The Sword a bit. Dropping into the slow burning groove that dominates the rest of the song with some nice melodic guitar work. What brings this track together is an interesting tremelo picked lead guitar on the chorus which is not something often heard in stoner/psych instrumentals but really fits the mood.

The third track “To” opens with a riff that reminds me of some of Joe Walsh's slower tempo work on the James Gang's seminal 1970 album “James Gang Rides Again.” This is my favourite track on the album as it moves through some cool dynamic changes, starting with a very 70s vibe and moving into a heavier Kyuss-esque section. The song writing on this track is very smooth as all the parts flow together particularly well.

The fourth track “Die” starts with a deep drum and bass groove setting a nice mood for the rest of the track. Ripping into a short open section with splashy chords and some nice bends. The plodding riff right before the guitar only break in the middle of the song, is a really cool transition which touches on some more unexpected influences (King Crimson's Red perhaps?). These little dynamic cool sections are the rug that really tie these songs together and prevent “You” from falling into the common pitfalls that instrumental albums make, everything sounding the same.

The fifth track is a strange left turn in riffing, channelling some early 80s doom riffs and alternating with some interesting chromatic bass lines under some dissonant guitar chords. This is the song where you can really hear the King Crimson influence they list on their facebook page with some of the crazy fun style changes.

“Mother,” the second to last track, is the most rocking of the songs with a heavy 70s hard rock four on the floor feel. The wah infused guitar on the bridge is a really fun section. This is the shortest track on the album and it ends a bit abruptly and feels like it could be a little bit longer.

Closing the album, “Fucker” starts with a doomy opener over stomping drums. This is the most open feeling and doomiest song on the album. They don't quite reach Electric Wizard level of doom but this is a solid track and relies heavily on some nice rhythm section playing and the bass sounds noticeably fuzzier. I feel like I should mention here, that to non-musician's it might seem weird to compliment the rhythm section on the lowest tempo and least busy song on the album, but in a lot of ways being able to swing a slower tempo and make your fills propel the song without muddying the groove can be just as difficult as shredding, and Kalamata exhibit some very tasteful choices throughout. Also the bass seems fuzzier and less overdriven on this track and as anyone who is going to read this site agrees. MORE FUZZ = BETTER.

My only real critique of the tracks is that parts of the drum kit could be a touch higher, particularly the cymbals and occasionally the kick drum, as they seem to be noticeably quieter than the rest of the kit during some sections, and the fuzz bass would probably benefit from being fuzzier and less overdriven in parts. That being said there is some great musicianship on this album particularly in the guitar work and tone department. What really impresses me about these guys is that they just started a year ago, which is a great sign.  A band who’s sound is this fully realized, this early on,  should move from being really good to exceptional.

FFO: King Crimson, Kyuss,

Vinyl info:

300 copies total

75 copies blood red incl. Poster and Download Code ( Pink Tank exclusive edition)

100 copies opaque white incl. Poster and Download code (Band exclusive edition)

100 copies standard black

All on 180g high quality Vinyl pressed in Germany

350g heavyweight Cover

Poly lined inner sleeve

Early Bird pre-order for the limited Edition is online:

Pink Tank exclusive Edition

http://www.pink-tank-records.de/vinyl-shop/kalamata-kalamata-blood-red-12-vinyl-exclusive-pink-tank-records-edition/#cc-m-product-9982832794

Standard Edition

http://www.pink-tank-records.de/vinyl-shop/kalamata-kalamata-standard-black-12-vinyl/#cc-m-product-9982829394

 

 

Band info: Bandcamp | facebook

Kaleidobolt - S/T (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-length

Date Released: 15 May 2015

Label: Pink Tank Records

Kaleidobolt - S/T - Track Listing:

1.ROCKET TO THE MOON 06:38

2.MOMENTUM 07:34

3.INTO THE CREVICE 05:23

4.LISKODISKO 07:41

5.MOUNTAIN MAN 04:54

6.SHOWDOWN 09:51

Members:

Sampo &

Marco &

Valtteri

Review:

Here's a band that lives, breathes and worships everything 1970's Classic/Hard Rock. If these guys had access to a time machine they would permanently move to the 70s as their music is steeped in 70s style musical philosophy and theatrics. I'm talking about another groovy band from Finland called - Kaleidobolt. Their S/T debut album is a celebration of legendary bands past of present. Kaleidobolt play a style of classic/hard rock that includes vibes of Doom, Proto Rock, Krautrock and even Space Rock. It's a trippy and mesmerizing affair at Kaleidobolt offer an exciting 42 minute ride of thrills and spills. Or should that be of riffs and even greater riffs.

Opening track - Rocket To The Moon - lays down the groundwork for the rest of the album to follow and it's a majestic tale of 70s inspired riffs with a hint of Blues running through its veins. The vocals are pitched at the right level to stand on their own accord as Kaleidobolt are in full confident mood. If you're a fan of The Vintage Caravan then you're going to dig these guys a great deal. They have a whole lot in common with each other though Kaleidobolt's music is more DIY based as the music feels it's been recorded on true analogue equipment.

Second track - Momentum - is a fast paced number where the band decides to add a distinct Surf Rock approach and it's a refreshing sound that's rather inventive especially when Kaleidobolt venture into Space Rock surroundings. The song has a dreamlike quality that puts you into a hypnotic trance; well until the band add a heavier thrashier style of guitars towards the end of the song. I wasn't expecting that at all. Well played Kaleidobolt, well played.

Third track - Into The Crevice - starts off with an acoustic guitar solo before a psychedelic rock explosion breathes life into the song for one heavy and loud experience. People may think this isn't the most original of sounds but Kaleidobolt are more about the sonic experience as its one heck of an exciting album to listen to. Fourth track - Liskodisko – opens up with a jazz based battle between the band members and it's an exciting premise with beautifully played instrumental work for everyone to hear and feel. Kaleidobolt return to their normal approach of heavy psych riffs as this turns into one of the albums finest and exciting tracks.

The 2nd half of the album follows the same path as the first though Kaleidobolt have more than enough talent to surprise you with a sublime riff that you wouldn't expect especially on the final epic track - Showdown. Though before Showdown, the band unleash all their anger and fury on the albums heaviest track - Mountain Man. I hope the band include that style of music on future releases as it really suits their sound.

We now come onto Showdown, a glorious 10 minute psychedelic kraut-rock/stoner/space rock extravaganza. As the band leave you with a lasting impression that they are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Kaleidobolt’s debut album is a blistering effort that will win many fans within the Hard Rock domain. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Jan at Pink Tank Records for the promo. Kaleidobolt S/T debut album is available to buy now on DD. Vinyl Record will be released through our good pals Pink Tank Records around July/August 2015.

Words by Steve Howe

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Stonebirds - Into The Fog... And The Filthy Air (Album Review) - Exclusive Song Stream

Album Type: Album

Date Released: July 2015

Label: Pink Tank Records

Into The Fog... And The Filthy Air - Track Listing

1.After The Sin

2.Angst Lover

3.Burned Flesh

4.Into The Fog

5.Perpetual Wasteland

Members:

Fañch : Guitar/Vox

Sylvain : Bass/Chorus

Antoine : Drums

Review:

This is my first time venturing into Stonebirds world of heavy psychedelic Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs. The band did release a debut album back in 2011 called Slow Fly which sadly passed me by as it's an awesome album you should hunt down. Though I'm here to talk about their eagerly awaited follow up album – Into The Fog... And The Filthy Air – that sees the band venture into murky Psychedelic Stoner Metal with hints of Sludge Rock giving this album a distorted Desert Rock feel.

Opening track – After The Sin – starts off like a warped psychedelic nightmare coming to life with distorted fuzz based riffs and grizzled vocals to match. It has an ambient feel to the music as Stonebirds wisely create their own musical path that sees an air of originality not seen for a long time in the Stoner Metal realm. Fañch's have a sense of mystery about them as he sings a mysterious tale that I even find hard to understand. It's the music that's the main attraction here as Stonebirds transport you to the legendary Desert Rock surroundings where the riffs only become heavier, crazier and packed with a whole lot more FUZZ. It's has a crazy psychedelic guitar solo that will put you in a trance as the band have written a truly hypnotic song.

Second track – Angst Lover – sees Stonebirds change musical direction as they go for a heavier and more bombastic approach with the Psychedelic noises taking centre stage that gives Fañch centre stage to show off his impressive vocals once more. It starts off as slow-paced affair with plenty of distorted feedback and hazy riffs appearing every so often. Give it time though as the band bring the heavy thunderous Sludge Rock riffs and it's another exciting ride that sets Stonebirds off to a righteous path of greatness. Stonebirds can give Mastodon a run for their money in the progressive sludge metal volume stakes on this song. WOW!!!

There is a lot more to Stonebirds sound as they combine Grunge and Ambient Noises to their music so this album will speak to a wide range of people across the musical spectrum. It's a powerful album that will end up on a few Album Of The Year Lists and it's a good job that the band still have 3 songs to impress you with. 3^rd song – Burned Flesh – is a more gloomy affair compared to the opening tracks as Stonebirds become more accustomed to their doom and gloom surroundings. The music is more direct and stripped back that gives the rhythm section of the band their chance to impress in the spotlight.

Fourth Track – Into The Fog – is pure Stoner Metal/Desert Rock territory with Fanch delivering his most heartfelt performance on the album. Shades of Kyuss appear but it's still an original sound that the band deserve credit for. The song combines Fuzz/Desert Rock vibes with a bleak Sludge Rock vibe. It's one of the albums standout songs that you will be listening to over and over again. The 2^nd half of the song is of the heaviest parts of the album and its still beautifully played from beginning to end.

Last but by no means least is – Perpetual Wasteland – a haunting and sombre affair where the band take you on a heartfelt journey with drone based signatures and riffs that could last a lifetime. It's too Stonebird's credit they have written songs that are all very different to each other. As you get a different musical experience with each and every song. Sure it's firmly rooted in Sludge/Stoner Metal but it[s the overall musical journey that Stonebirds that take you on. This song is one of reflection, loss and forgiveness.

The production on the album is flawless through out as the album is loud from the start. Stonebirds have delivered a brilliant and highly original album. Kudos to Pink Tank Records for signing them to their roster. This album is going to win Stonebirds a huge range of admirers within the Sludge/Stoner Metal community. Into The Fog... And The Filthy Air is a must have album. End Of.

Need more proof – Well Stonebirds and Pink Tank Records have kindly let Sludgelord HQ exclusively stream – After The Sin – from Into The Fog... And The Filthy Air. Check it out.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Pink Tank Records for the promo. Into The Fog... And The Filthy Air - will be available to buy on CD/DD from Stonebirds and Vinyl via Pink Tank Records from July 2015. Pre-Orders will be available soon.

For More Information

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Interview with Jan Von Beuningen from Pink Tank Records

The scene that we love, admire and worship, lives and dies by the choices that individual record labels make, in which bands and artists they sign to their roster. It's a lot harder for the Doom/Stoner/Sludge Metal Community as there are a ton of great bands waiting to be discovered.

How do you decide which act to sign to your label, especially if you're an independent record label that we have featured on the blog numerous times. We have made great friends with STB Records, Ripple Music, Riding Easy Records, Magnetic Eye Records and Lay Bare Recordings over the last 12 months or so.

Though one label has stood out for me over the last 10 months or so. Pink Tank Records. They have signed a ton of great bands to their roster such as Bone Man, Sir Hobo, Sauturus, Camel Driver and the highly impressive ZQKMGDZ. Their vinyls have been admired throughout the Hard Rock/Stoner Metal community.

Jan – the owner of Pink Tank Records – has been a good friend to Sludgelord this year so I have decided to interview the great man himself to find out how Pink Tank Records came to being.

So lets get down to business with Pink Tank Records.

Q1 – Hi Jan. How are things with you today.

Hi Steve! First of all thank you for having me!

2015 starts busy. I am preparing everything for the ZQKMGDZ - Dimension Plasma release and the reissue of Bone Man - Plastic Wasteland. But it’s fun as it’s always for me to do this work.

Q2 – Can you give our readers a brief history of how you became involved in music?

Definitely my father is responsible for my love for music. He played in a band which supported The Beatles several times in Hamburg. I always heard stuff like The Beatles, Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who and Hendrix with my parents when I was a kid. Also I did a lot of jamming with my father in our basement. He on the guitar and me on the drums. Later I played in several bands. But I was not good enough, haha!

Q3 – Congrations on starting your own record label 'Pink Tank Records'. Why did you start your own label. Any specific reasons for you doing this?

Thanx! I started writing reviews on my own blog and discovered so many new bands that I thought it may will be cool to start my own label and so I did.

Q4 – Was it a hard task or journey setting up the record label?

Retrospective it was a daring move, but no risk no fun! It’s a shitload of work because I do everything on my own. And the first time it was really hard to calculate because I have had no experience with the industry and I never thought that it could be as tricky as it was several times. But I learned so much within the last year and I think I can say that Pink Tank Records has a healthy and strong fundament now. That makes things not easier but I’ve had no sleepless nights in the last few weeks, haha. Yes it was really hard the first half year.

Q5 – Why did you call the record label – Pink Tank Records. Any specific meaning behind it.

I arranged a live show for two bands in Hamburg and received a gig poster for it and the Pink Tank was on it in a different way. The venue I booked didn’t want the poster because the didn’t liked it. At this time I was searching for a name and a logo for the label and I was totally in love with the Pink Tank and asked the artist if I can have the design for my label. Pink Tank Records was born…

Q6 – You have signed a great range of artists to your label. Such as the ones I mentioned above. How did you manage to sign those great bands/artists?

I try to visit much live gigs in the area because I like to hear the live power of a band. Also I get many requests and recommendations from friends, other signed bands and of course I follow all the great music support pages in the web. I want to let all of you know how important the work is you guys do!!!

Q7 - What I like about Pink Tank Records is even though you sign regular Hard Rock/Sludge/Doom/Stoner Rock Bands. You're also willing to take a risk with experimental acts such as Sir Hobo and Camel Driver. Is that part of your plan to sign something different to the mix compared to the other artists.

To be honest, there is no plan behind, hahaha! I only signed and will sign acts that I like.

I want to stay 110% behind it and don’t want to sign a band because it may can be a financial success or to follow a trend. For me it’s more important that the bands like the idea and the Pink Tank Records family philosophy.

Q8 – Do you have a set or rules into signing a band/artist to your label or wanting to work with them.

As I said before the most important for me is that a band agree with the label philosophy. If it’s getting close to a sign I submit this philosophy and want the band to stay behind it. Our contracts are different and the label has less income because of it. But hey, Pink Tank is „only“ the label and has nothing to to with the great art the bands do! I think the success of Pink Tank Records is based on this and the bands feel good to be a part of the family.

Q9 – How much involvement do bands have with the design of their record on vinyl. Or is it all down to yourself.

Every band is involved 100%! For sure I give my advice for the artwork and the colour of the band edition but the band has the last word!

Q10 – Which bands and artists started your love affair with music. Any particular albums that stand out.

There are too many great albums, I will never be able to do a top list… my personal love affair with music started with The Doors.

Q11 – Our scene has a lot of great labels doing their own thing. Ripple, STB Records, Riding Easy, Magnetic Eye, Lay Bare Recordings and Burning World Records. Are you a fan of those labels. Have you asked them for advice when starting your label or releasing certain records.

Yeah for sure they all do a great job and are really important for the „underground“ music scene! It’s more than a pleasure for me to be named in a row with such great labels. I am more or less in contact with them, but I never asked for advice.

Q12 – How challenging is it to own and operate a record label in today's climate. It's an ever-expanding market but it's very expensive to do.

It was hard at the beginning and I have to learn many lessons. As I said before Pink Tank Records reached a point where things are more easy. But you are right it is expensive and every day the challenge starts again to manage everything. The goal is to grow healthy and be fair to the artists I think it will pay pack! Also I have the feeling that the climate especially in our scene is most times fair and honest.

Q13 – If you could change anything within the Vinyl Record Scene what would it be.

I know that it’s important to do limited editions and special colour editions to re finance a release. I am doing this, too. But I am a little tired of this ultra die hard and test pressing stuff. Sometimes less is more in my opinion.

Q14 – Has it surprised you how well people have taken to your label and buying your products.

Yes it did! And I am so thankful for such a great support. Every day it makes me so happy when I take a look at the Facebook page and see the awesome response. It’s amazing at all. Also I am glad that the bands on Pink Tank Records get the attention they deserve.

Q15 – If you could provide any advice to someone wanting to start a record label. What would it be.

Do you have 60 hours a week time for it?

Q16 – What is your view on labels providing digital download codes with their labels. Some labels do provide this but some do not due to high costs.

We do this stuff with BandCamp and it works good! Also I think it’s cool to offer a digital download code within a vinyl release. I hear much music via my mobile when I drive to my regular job by train and I think most of you do the same.

Q17 – What is in store for Pink Tank Records in 2015. Any exciting plans that you can tell us about.

A lot will happen in the first half of this year. Next are the releases of ZQKMDZ and Burn Pilot and the reissue of Bone Man - Plastic Wasteland. Followed by CRAANG, Testosteroll, Libido Fuzz, Stonebirds, Atomic Vulture and NAAM. Also we will release a split of two family members. For the second half of 2015 I am in contact with several new bands. The Tank will not stop!

Well Jan thanks for doing this. All the best with your brilliant record label. As you know I am a huge fan of your label.

Thank you Steve it was a pleasure for me and thank you for your great work! Cheers, mate.

Thanks to Jan for taking the time out to talk to us at Sludgelord HQ.

Words by Steve Howe and Jan Von Beuningen

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ZQKMGDZ - Dimension Plasma (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: January 2015

Label: Pink Tank Records

Dimension Plasma – Track Listing

1. BRAINSNAIL OCTOPUS

2.MAMMOTH MANIFEST

3.AMBROSIA

4.DIMENSION PLASMA / ASTRO SABBATH

Bio

ZQKMGDZ - 10.000 km² gegen die Zeit was founded at new years day 2012 as a two piece band by Don Alfredo (guitar & vocals) and Don Fernando (drums). From the beginning on, their goal was to create visions of time traveling between planets and to transfer this idea into a musical reality. 2013 Don Libido (bass) jumped aboard the intergalactic spaceship of ZQKMGDZ. In this constellation they produced a manifest under the name "Dimension Plasma" which was produced in the halls of "Rosenquarz Recording Studios" and will come out on vinyl via Pink Tank Records, autumn this year!

This recording shows up that it is possible to create a new sound which we will call "Interstellar Psycho Doom“! Dark, heavy, massiv, fuzzy and psychedelic!

10,000 km² gegen die Zeit are ready for new time travel on the stages of this and other planets!

Members

Don Alfredo - Warpgitarren & Roar

Don Libido - Subraumwellen Of Doom

Don Fernando - Trommelbeckenzeug

Review:

ZQKMGDZ are a self proclaimed – Interstellar Psycho Doom – Band. What the hell does that. I don't have a freaking clue. What I can tell you is that their debut album – Dimension Plasma – is one freaky sideshow of crazed Psychedelic Doom and Stoner Metal sounds and riffs. It feels like an all out musical jam between Black Sabbath, Hawkwind and Ufomammut.

They have been signed to our good pals – Pink Tank Records – and I may have to say that this could be the finest band Jan has signed to his label. ZQKMGDZ will take you on a cosmic and spacey trip of your own mind. Opening track – Brainsnail Octopus – perfectly captures these insane musical astronauts as they venture from Sabbath type Doom with Hawkwind style Space Rock with added Ufomammut crazy psychedelic menace. Though with their own magnetic charm.

It's one crazy as hell exercise in sound and volume as ZQKMGDZ lay on the fuzz through out the albums 32 minute run time. Second track Mammoth Manifest has lead vocalist – Don Alfredo – tripping out his mind like he is coming down from a bad LSD Trip with his bandmates feeding him the deadly musical drug to keep him in his drug induced state. The track has echoes of 60s/70s Psychedelic Hard Rock showing here and there. It feels like an extended jam session at times but that's the beauty of the album. It's a crazy trip where anything goes. Just enjoy the delicious music that ZQKMGDZ have created here.

Third track – Ambrosia – is the more straight forward rock song that ZQKMGDZ have on offer here. Well what I mean it's more structured compared to the rest of the songs. It's still crazy in it's own right just in a different fuzzed up way. ZQKMGDZ capture the essence of what Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal should really be all about. Loud and violent fuzzy riffs brimming to fully explode at any second. The vocals have a weird experimental feel that only adds to the trippy atmosphere. Play this one at full volume to get the full effect.

ZQKMGDZ leave the best track till last with the 15 minute epic – Astro Sabbath / Dimension Plasma. Two songs created as one surreal Doom/Stoner Metal experience. Quite possibly. Just sit back for this mammoth and insane song that will expand your mind for one final round. The fuzz is laid on nice and thick as ZQKMGDZ play at a slow pace before adding different sounds along the way. It's a great way to end the album as your slowly brought back to reality. My advice – Press play once more as this is an album you need to experience over and over again.

Awesome stuff!!!

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Jan at Pink Tank Records. Dimension Plasma will be available to buy on Vinyl from Pink Tank Records from January 2015.

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Camel Driver - S/T (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: 31^st October 2014

Label: Pink Tank Records

Camel Driver – S/T – Track Listing

1. Minor Cause

2. Wedding

3. Talus

4. Devil's Marbles

5. Heraklion

6. Megalith

7. Party Ogre

8. Outro

Members

Christoph - Bass

Lutz - Guitar

Alex - Drums

Review:

I usually go nuts over Instrumental Stoner Rock albums as it's one of my fave genres. Though the debut album by Desert Rock/Stoner Rock experimentalists – Camel Driver – didn't appeal to me right away as it should. I found it hard to find any emotional connection to the music. Sure they have some pretty cool riffs that ventures between Jazz, Desert Rock and Stoner Rock but it's a very hard album to like at first.

I suppose that's the point for Camel Driver's debut album. Mainly to try something different and standout from the crowd. Camel Driver excel on that level alone by delivering a debut album that dares to be different with jazzy musical interludes split with the Desert Rock/Stoner Rock riffs. Opening tracks – Minor Cause and Wedding – are two fine examples at what Camel Driver thrive at. Both songs are dripping with finely tuned Desert/Stoner Rock vibes that have a lot of fuzz running through it's soul. Over time I started enjoy this album immensely compared to my first listen. It started to speak to me more and more each time I listened to it.

I have had this promo for a couple of months now and only now I am writing the review for this. It's one of the hardest Stoner Rock albums I have listened to this year. That's one of the albums strongest points – It's a challenging and frustrating listen at times but you can't deny the talent or power that Camel Driver posses. The album is a finely tuned and complex album within the realm of Desert/Stoner Rock. Devil's Marbles perhaps the albums finest track sees Camel Driver showing off their musical skills with deft touches of Americana inspired guitar worshipping. Though the Desert/Stoner Rock vibe is never to far away. It can be a complex song to listen to as Camel Driver include many different layers of noise for you to experience.

Camel Drive have delivered a stunning debut album that only now I am starting to appreciate. It may of took me some time to come round but Camel Driver have a very bright future indeed if they deliver more creative and majestic albums such as this.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Jan at Pink Tank Records for sending me a promo to review. Camel Driver – S/T – is now available to buy on DD via BandCamp. Vinyl here and here from Pink Tank Records.

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Sir Hobo - Absolutely Accurate - Album Review and Stream

Album Type: Album

Date Released: 15^th July 2014

Label: Pink Tank Records

Absolutely Accurate - track listing:

SIDE A:

01 Awaking

02 Informing

03 Calking

04 Doing

05 Standing

SIDE B:

01 Motivating

02 Knowing

03 Believing

04 Seeing

05 Arriving

06 Ending

Bio:

The Legend of Bartholomew Bum:

The first recorded sightings of Bartholomew Bum recount his sermons on the streets of Benares, where he preached the connection of body and soul by playing music. He perceived poverty as sacred and his views soon bestowed him with a large following. The word spread, and as musicians, mathematicians, philosophers and scientists across the globe studied his teachings, it was soon proven that poverty could indeed be deemed holy and that spiritual wealth was directly linked to the abdication of material goods. In an act of disavowal of the world ís reigning kings, Bartholomew awarded a knighthood to himself, choosing the title Sir Hobo. To ensure their sustainability beyond his demise, his teachings were recorded by humankind in a book generally known as "The Cardboard Box", which simultaneously stood symbol for "The House of the Prophet".

Some people view Sir Hobo as an alchemist capable of turning manure into gold. Others perceive him to be a loser, too idiotic to gain riches. Yet others see a human being. And some consider his actions to be an intangible hunt for an intangible prey, an emotion ñ a worthy emotion, an emotion deemed unworthy by rich people, an emotion of selflessness, a good emotion. Sir Hobo did not so much seek as he did find, leaving it to the big scheme of things to destine where his sandals would carry him.

Understanding the subjectivity of personal experience and the limitations of perspective, he never imparted his own tales, nor did he take on those of his pilgrims. It was by the negation of that which is not love that he found love in its true form. In the form of music. Music that is available to all and for all to partake

The Band Members

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Review:

My good friend Jan at Pink Tank Records kindly given me an advanced promo copy to review for Sir Hobo's majestic Psychedelic Stoner/Space Rock album – Absolutely Accurate.

A 45 minute haunting journey into the dangerous psyche of one highly talented individual. Absolutely Accurate has a nightmarish feel to it as nothing is as it seems. Haunting Space Rock vibes come and go to take you on a twisted and beautifully haunting musical odyssey. Is it Space Rock, Instrumental Rock or Stoner Rock. I am not quite sure as I am still trying to work that out myself.

First track – Awaking – as it's aptly named for awaking your senses for a sensory overload of noises, riffs, vibes and far out experimentation. It gives you a brief glimpse on what to expect for the next 45 mins or so. A twisted and uncompromising vision that will send cold as hell chills for you to chew on.

This is all the work of one man – Sir Hobo – who only himself knows what this album means. The song titles give you a good clue what moods and environments your whole body will be going through on every song. It's not an easy listen as this isn't a straight forward conventional album. As tracks such as Informing, Calking, Motivating, Seeing and Arriving have a unique darkness to them all. There are riffs to be found but Sir Hobo makes you work hard before you find you're musical reward. Nobody said that music had to be easy to listen to.

It's best to listen to this album in one full go as it's mean to be heard as one overall experience. It will take you on such an emotional roller-coaster that you will begin to question what is real or not. Sir Hobo deserves credit for blending the different noises and effects that sound so very different compared to other artists and bands. It's mainly instrumental rock but Sir Hobo adds voice effects here and there. Maybe to inform you what the hell is going on.

Anyway. I don't want to spoil any more as you can find this out for yourself as Jan at Pink Tank Records has allowed Sludgelord to hold an exclusive album stream of this excellent album

Brilliant and Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Jan at Pink Tank Records for sending me a promo to review. The advanced album stream. Much appreciated dude. Absolutely Accurate will be available to buy from Pink Tank Records on DD/Vinyl from July 15^th 2014.

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Written by Steve Howe