ALBUM REVIEW: Ruby The Hatchet - "Planetary Space Child"

By: Joosep Nilk

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 25/08/2017

Label: Tee Pee Records

 

Dishing out psyched-out blast offs and danceable tunes all complemented by the vintage-sounding production and plenty of organ in-between, Ruby The Hatchet adds a further twist to their already suspensive sound. “Planetary Space Child” comes off sounding like a spaced out version of Uncle Acid and cements their place at the very top tier of heavy psych.

“Planetary Space Child“CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Planetary Space Child

2). Killer

3). Pagan Ritual

4). The Fool

5). Symphony of the Night

6). Gemini

7). Lightning Comes Again

The Review:

With an intro that would not be amiss on a Floyd album, “Planetary Space Child” opens with the dramatic title track and goes straight for the grandiose sweeps. With riffs alluding to the barren vastness depicted on the cover, along the uneasy undertones, the epic artwork of Adam Burke is another common trait to be found with fellow dread-mongerers Occultation. Whereas said group are perhaps slightly spookier, Rubybring a handful more of melody. Like the opening notes of ’Pagan Ritual’ that come off equally as stirring as they are ominous, another turn is waiting around the corner. The shrouded riffs build up and crank the anticipation until a funky break-down, maintaining the trepidation and not letting you get too comfortable, the only solid thing being the bass-lines that follow the track through to its finish.

While these change-ups are familiar from prior albums, the additional organ progressions unabashedly harken back to rock’s golden era and really complement the album concept. That stands especially true for ’Symphony of the Night’, undoubtedly one of the stronger songs the band has put to tape yet. It opens with pensive plucks and picks the pace up near the middle and as the gloominess is equally cranked up a notch, the well-placed keys constantly adorn the unrelenting gradations.

Despite the material’s emotional density, the band hasn’t forgone their penchant for some infectious feel-good tunes. Second track ’Killer’ reminds us they’re still capable of more than a bit of moog-tinged tomfoolery, likewise on the equally fast-paced midpoint that is “Gemini”. Whereas the former is a fairly straight-forward and fun band jam (awfully fitting when they presented it at Roadburn’s Cul de Sac), the latter never quite loosens its intense grip and brings the full-sounding guitars and psychedelic leads further up front, with the relentless drumming of Mike Parisekeeping it equally energetic and even-paced throughout. By the end they go near-prog with the keys straddled throughout amidst the influx of leads tearing straight into your headspace.

As is true for Jillian Taylor’s howls and moans that are at times wistful and bold on others, the created sound truly envelopes her voice well, especially so on the initially shuddersome “The Fool“ and the epic closer. The latter really runs the gamut on her whole range, beginning languid and solemn in near-ballad-form, almost timid by Ruby’sstandards, but opening up near the end, an approach the band has proven to work for them time and again. It’s no straight-forward doom here but all splendidly woven in, making the pay-off that much more worth it. The culminating build-up and shake-down really allows the organ to shine amidst the oscillation of guitars and comes off dangerous, duly paying reference to the song-title.

Dishing out psyched-out blast offs and danceable tunes all complemented by the vintage-sounding production and plenty of organ in-between, Ruby The Hatchet adds a further twist to their already suspensive sound. “Planetary Space Child” comes off sounding like a spaced out version of Uncle Acidand cements their place at the very top tier of heavy psych.

“Planetary Space Child” is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Psychedelic Witchcraft - Magick Rites and Spells"

By: Jake Wallace

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 27/01/2017

Label: Soulseller Records

'Magick Rites and Spells' is a fresh, authentic display of classic occult rock being performed in the present day. It's a blessing to see a band who are truly absorbed in this genre, leading the way for all modern day occultists to follow. It's a very well-balanced mix of old, new and cover songs and an incredible follow-up to the masterpiece that was 'The Vision'. This band are only getting started and I'm truly excited to see what the future holds for Virginia and the guys.

“Magick Rites and Spells” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Come a little closer (Exclusive to this release)
2. Godzilla (Blue Oyster Cult cover, Exclusive to this release)
3. Set me free (Re-recording, Exclusive to this release)
4. Wicked dream (Re-recording, Exclusive to this release)
5. The dark Lord (Originally performed by Sam Gopal, with Lemmy)
6. Angela (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
7. Lying on iron (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
8. Black magic man (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
9. Slave of grief (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)

The Review:

Psychedelic Witchcrafthave just brought out their latest album 'Magick Rites and Spells'. This band certainly know how to churn out songs as their last album, the critically acclaimed 'The Vision' only came out back in April, 2016. 

We dive into the mystical land of the occult with 9 tracks comprising of 3 brand new tracks, 2 covers and 4 tracks from the “Black Magic Man” EP, released back in 2015.

Track 1, 'Come a Little Closer', starts the album off with some elegant, flowing guitar sounds before the main riff begins and Virginia Monti takes control, doing what she does best. Such a powerful voice which can also be toned down for those hypnotic lyrics, entrancing you as the song goes on. There's some great lead guitar work in this track too, providing just enough of a taste without overcompensating. It's a very enticing opening track and a great start to a superb album. 

Track 2 is a cover of 'Godzilla' by Blue Oyster Cult. This is the first time I’ve heard a female sing this song and it sounds absolutely fantastic. I saw Blue Oyster Cult a few months back and they played this song but to be perfectly honest, Psychedelic Witchcraft do a better job than B.O.C did live. It's also very refreshing seeing a couple covers. A lot of bands have strayed away from covering songs in recent years but when you can add your own signature touch, like these guys have, then by all means, cover that shit! 

Track 3, 'Set Me Free', is a true piece of Sabbathian occult rock. Everything blends incredibly well and there's still a lot of breathing room with the guitar and bass tones so it's not total overkill. Virginia's vocals soar over the top of some very tight riffage before a great breakdown with just drums and bass involved. This leads way to another ripping solo from Jacopo Fallai as the track comes to a close. 

'Wicked Dream'is the 4th track on the album and the last of the brand new, original material that is exclusive to this release. These guys create such a dark, gloomy vibe to rock and roll but it works a treat and the visual imagery and lyrical themes all work as a cohesive unit.

'The Dark Lord'is another cover of the famous Sam Gopal song that featured Lemmyon lead vocals. It is in itself a fucking incredible song and it's so great to see recognition of it and Psychedelic Witchcraft do a superb job at doing it justice. As much as I love original material, I'd love to see these guys do a full cover album just to see what they would pick and see how Virginia can lend her voice to pretty much anything and do a fantastic job.

Track 6'Angela' is the first track taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP from 2015. This time round it sounds much more polished and it's great to see their older stuff rearing its head again. Psychedelic Witchcraft defined their style early on and they still stay true to the Coven-esque style of occult rock. There are also more current influences such as Blood Ceremony or Ruby the Hatchet who play very similar styles of music but I think Psychedelic Witchcraft are the most authentic occult-styled band. 

Track 7 'Lying on Iron' is another track from the “Black Magic Man” EP. It is a beautiful, yet haunting piece of music and one of the more mellow tracks on the album. The musicianship in this band is of a very high standard and the fusion of guitar, bass and percussion is extremely affective in creating this sound. The guitar solo uses a Jimi Hendrix 'Little Wing' sounding tone and works fantastically with the backing music. There are a million ways to describe how good Virginia's vocals are and yet again, she delivers an impeccable performance. 

Track 8 'Black Magic Man' is the title track from the EP of the same name. This was one of the first Psychedelic Witchcraft songs I heard and got me into listening to them. It definitely sounds a lot fuller this time round and reminded me why I love this band. Parts of this song remind me of early 90s desert rock but tainted with a hint of darkness. 

The final track on the album 'Slave of Grief' is also re-released from their debut EP. It has a very simple chord progression which is perfect for letting Virginiagrab your attention with her lyrics and vocals. It slowly chugs along and opens up around the 3 min mark with another ripping, fuzzed out guitar solo. Some of the tones on this album are very thick and fuzzy and some are clean and appropriate to the style of each song. This one is steeped in that classic vintage fuzz tone. The drums are absolutely on fire towards the end of this track and it all culminates in a witch's cauldron of musical brilliance as the track fades out. 

'Magick Rites and Spells'is a fresh, authentic display of classic occult rock being performed in the present day. It's a blessing to see a band who are truly absorbed in this genre, leading the way for all modern day occultists to follow. It's a very well-balanced mix of old, new and cover songs and an incredible follow-up to the masterpiece that was 'The Vision'. This band are only getting started and I'm truly excited to see what the future holds for Virginia and the guys. 

“Magick Rites and Spells”is available here

Band info: facebook|| bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Electric Citizen - "Higher Time"

By: Jake Wallace

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 13/05/2016
Label: Riding Easy Records

‘Higher Time’ is a sincere reflection of a band that has been dedicated to having their own bespoke brand of ‘70s psychedelic rock. Driving riffs, solid rhythms, flawless vocals and explosive solos, this album is a superb follow-up to their debut release and shows how far the band have come since then. They have made this style of music appealing and popular in the modern day and show no signs of slowing down for the future.

“Higher Time” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Evil
2. Social Phobia
3. Misery Keeper
4. Devils in Passing Time
5. Golden Mean
6. Higher Time
7. Ghost of Me
8. Natural Law
9. Crux
10. Two Hearted Woman

The Review:

Cincinnati 4-piece psych rockers Electric Citizen have released their second record, ‘Higher Time’, on RidingEasy Records as a follow up to their 2014 debut release 'Sateen'. As with the first album, it was recorded at The Diamonds studio in Cincinnati by Brian Olive.

The album kicks off with ‘Evil’ and straight away you can tell why they chose this particular track name. Laura Dolan’s vocals are absolutely fantastic for this style of music and having a husband-wife combination with her husband Ross provides a unique kind of musical connection. The main riff is nice and chuggy and as the vocals blend in with the killer riffs, Laura’s voice is very reminiscent of Jillian Taylor’s vocal work in Philadelphia’s Ruby the Hatchet.

The next track ‘Social Phobia’ is some straight up Sabbathianriffage and the female vocals work incredibly well which makes you wonder what might’ve transpired if Ozzy had been a woman! Around the 2min 40 mark Ross unleashes into a ripping solo with some otherworldly sounds and raw talent oozing from his playing.  ‘Misery Keeper’, has a solid, driving riff throughout with some very interesting sections, drawing influence from a number of directions.

The first band that spring to mind are Dublin’s Mother Mooch who have a strikingly similar style and this combination of ‘70s style heavy rock riffs, psychedelic lyrics and female vocals is proving to be a heavily desired sub-genre of music due to the success of bands such as Ruby the Hatchet, Blood Ceremony and Purson in recent years. Electric Citizen have defined their sound and no matter what they turn their hand to, they are producing top notch psychedelic rock. Tracks 4 and 5 are packed with superb riffs and more soul-searing guitar solos from Ross.

The title track ‘Higher Time’ has a fairly simple structure but the raw power of Laura’s vocals combined with the sonic atmospheres lurking in the backdrop creates a very absorbing environment. After the slightly creepy spoken word interlude in the middle, the riffs wind back in and Ross launches off into another relentless guitar solo. The style of his solos are perfect for this style as it’s not taking away from the music or distracting you with elaborate guitar parts. It all just gels very nicely in a cohesive blend and the instruments all compliment each other as well as complementing Laura’s vocals.

‘Ghost of Me’ takes the tempo up a notch and they deliver the goods with some thrashing riffs and a slightly ominous tone from the keyboards combined with the entrancing vocals. ‘Natural Law’ is another fine example of how the band have defined their sound and set in stone their vision for both image and musical style. Ross’s solo playing is on fire in this track and his diversity as a rhythm and lead player really shows. ‘Crux’ has that swinging occult rock feel, it’s what I imagine lute players in medieval imbibing emporiums would’ve been playing if they had access to electric guitars, fuzz pedals and amp stacks. The final track ‘Two Hearted Woman’ begins with another master-crafted riff and it seems like Ross Dolan’s barrel of riffs has no end. The organ sounds are great in this track, layering a nice thick spread of sound among the rhythm section. The last section has the same stomping riff ascending up and up into a crescendo and the curtain falls bringing a close to an extremely solid album.

‘Higher Time’ is a sincere reflection of a band that has been dedicated to having their own bespoke brand of ‘70s psychedelic rock. Driving riffs, solid rhythms, flawless vocals and explosive solos, this album is a superb follow-up to their debut release and shows how far the band have come since then. They have made this style of music appealing and popular in the modern day and show no signs of slowing down for the future.

“Higher Time” is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

FFO: Ruby The Hatchet, Blood Ceremony, Purson