ALBUM REVIEW: The Lord Weird Slough Feg, "New Organon"

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 21/06/2019

Label: Cruz Del Sur Music

“Stylistically, it all hangs together superbly and delivers a complete album listening experience.”

“New Organon” CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Headhunter
2. Discourse on Equality
3. The Apology
4. Being and Nothingness
5. New Organon
6. Sword of Machiavelli
7. Uncanny
8. Coming of Age in the Milky Way
9. Exegesis/Tragic Hooligan
10. The Cynic

The Review:

Slough Feg, or The Lord Weird Slough Feg- to give them the moniker they have now reverted to, are a unique proposition and as such are an acquired taste. We are five years on from their last album, “Digital Resistance”, but in terms of sound and approach, we may as well still be in 1976. This is clear and live sounding and traditionalist in approach.

TLWSF continue ploughing their singular furrow here; yes of course there is Jethro Tull, Thin Lizzy, Sabbath and Wishbone Ash... just pick any track and you will hear all those bands and more. Take the third track, “The Apology”; perfect in its pomp and heaviness. Philosophical references abound throughout; from the title to most tracks- considering frontman’s Scalzi's day job it's not surprising...

There are bursts of pace which bring in heavier and (slightly) more modern fare; Iron Maiden spring to mind on “Being and Nothingness”. The clear influences are one thing, but the overall quality and assuredness with which the band deliver the record is another. Slough Feg are a unique band and are traditional metal, heavy rock, folk-rooted and eccentricity all rolled into one. The title track marks the half way point and by that time you will either be sold on this album or you will not. If you enjoy any of the bands mentioned, plus bands like Wytch Hazel from the modern canon, then you will find something to enjoy here.

Stylistically, it all hangs together superbly and delivers a complete album listening experience. It's hard to pick stand out cuts- that's either positive or negative, depending on your approach, but it could be said that there are a couple of perhaps weaker tracks (“Sword of Machiavelli” is one for me) even if that is then made up for with the storming “Uncanny”.

Across its concise and one-side-of-a-cassette playing time, the band lean on philosophy, olde worlde references both musical and lyrical and a steadfast dedication to all things heavy circa 1970-1980. This may well be too quaint or even trite for some, but The Lord Weird Slough Feg are a heavy music gem and operating in a  field of one- both in America and elsewhere. That's worth something and they are to be cherished and enjoyed while they are still around.

Much like Manilla Road, they are perhaps a strange and cult-like band, but their music speaks to their fans profoundly. With Mark Shelton of Manilla Road now gone from this earth for over a year, I feel it is important to enjoy and appreciate such bands whilst they are here. Slough Feg won't be here forever- none of us are- so if you weren't sure about trying them out, this could be a great place to start. As “The Cynic” closes the album out, you'll be glad that you did.

“New Organon” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

Slough Feg - Digital Resistance (Album Review)

Album Type : Full Length

Date Released : 18/2/2014

Label : Metal Blade Records

Digital Resistance, album track listing :

1. Analogue Avengers / Bertrand Russell’s Sex Den 03:50
2. Digital Resistance 02:52
3. Habeas Corpsus 05:08
4. Magic Hooligan 03:51
5. Ghastly Appendage 03:20
6. Laser Enforcer 04:12
7. The Price Is Nice 04:36
8. Curriculum Vitae 05:02
9. The Luddite 03:21
10. Warriors Dusk 04:35

Bio :

SLOUGH FEG has a style that's best described as an eclectic mix of Celtic Folk and Traditional Metal peppered with buckets of energy and lyrical depth. The band, who's name is derived from a character in ancient Irish mythology, originates from Central Pennsylvania and relocated to San Francisco in 1990 in hopes of resurrecting the ailing 'true metal' scene in the United States. The band quickly gained a reputation as, 'the band San Francisco loved to hate' by taking a stand against the trends and incorporating stage savagery with strong visual imagery.

The band's latest offering Digital Resistance was recorded with Justin Weis (who produced the album with vocalist/guitarist Mike Scalzi) at Trakworx in South San Francisco from January-October 2013 andmarks the band's first new studio album since 2010's The Animal Spirits. When asked if the new album was a concept album, singer & vocalist Mike Scalzi explained that Digital Resistance is a concept album in the sense that The Beatles Sgt. Pepper is a concept album. "It has somewhat of a consistent lyrical theme that runs through several of the songs, but not every song--- it is not a concept album in the sense that our Travelleralbum is.

The Band :

Mike Scalzi | Guitars/Vocals
Angelo Tringali | Guitars
Adrian Maestas | Bass
Harry Cantwell | Drums

Review :

“Digital Resistance” is the first Slough Feg record I have heard. Have in no doubt; I will be seeking out more. Kicking off proceedings with Analogue Avengers/Betrtrand Russel's Sex Den, one band immediately springs to mind: Jethro Tull. Before you all turn away in Grammy-stealing disgust: this is absolutely a good thing. Tull, with albums such as “Aqualung” and “Songs from the Wood” were a damn good band- great guitar player in Martin Barre, great drummer (who used double kicks to great effect on SFTW) and a charismatic, wry front-man. They also had a sense of humour. Those boxes are ticked here too. The title track continues on the frenetic prog-rock with no subtlety in the lyrics- this is very much an album about exactly what the title says it's about.

Habeus Corpsus gives a pun in the Latin-ish title and offers acoustics and thumping toms in what is again a rather frenetic performance from the whole band- no one needs to feel guilty about their performance here! The grooves roll very well and the solo soars.

Magic Hooligan offers up a very Thin Lizzy feel to rhythms and guitars before the pace picks up and triplets roll. Frontman Michael Scalzi sings of ancient times- perfect for the retro feel.

Ghastly Appendage Brings more twin guitar work and a galloping pace. Laser Enforcer ups the early maiden quotient and allows for some dexterous lead work (and playing from the whole band in general, to be fair).

The Price Is Nice doesn't appear to be about the mid-priced albums prevalent in the 70's and 80's (often found in Our Price!), but that does not detract from the finely played and stealthy track as the grooves is set behind a memorable riff. Curriculum Vitae builds up slowly to a passage of riffs and finally vocals (overlaid acoustic guitars add expanse to the sound).

The Luddite brings back the Tull feel to proceedings- less Maiden, but no less British in its sound- odd considering the band's American provenance. Warriors Dusk is the album's final track and brings together a rather folk-ish feel with Thin Lizzy elements to, with triumphant guitar work. The album would not have been wholly out of place had it been released anywhere from 1972-1980 (albeit the production and sound are top notch and the drums have more modern phrasing). I can heartily endorse this album for any fans of any of the aforementioned bands. It's weird, idiosyncratic stuff that doesn't quite fit anywhere, but is still, rest assured, heavy metal of the highest calibre.

Words by : Richard Maw

You can get it here

For more information :

https://www.facebook.com/sloughfegofficial
http://www.youtube.com/sloughfegofficial
https://twitter.com/slough_feg
http://sloughfeg.com/