Mirador – Mirador
There is a lot of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant in the DNA of this record. The vocals never hit Plant’s extreme highs, the solos never hit Page’s speed or mastery, but it’s still heavily reminiscent of a Led Zeppelin album, with the peaks slightly cut off. There’s even a folk instrument included on a few tracks (it’s a banjo instead of a mandolin). The Mammoth appreciates the vocal harmonies in some of the songs, it serves as a distinction from the stereotypical Zeppelin sound. He didn’t care for how many effects are layered onto the guitar solos – it reeked of the guitarist lacking confidence, turning what could’ve been great solos into sonic mud.
It’s a worthy record for a listener looking for some heavy, slow blues rock to play as background music, but the active listener might find themselves a bit bored.
Highlight Tracks: Roving Blade, Raider, Skyway Drifter
Worthy of Investigation?
The Mammoth is interested in their prior work, sure, but mostly as soundtrack/background music material
Novembers Doom – Major Arcana
This record’s a great example of classic Doom Metal – powerful choruses, thoughtful verses, slow, plodding riffing. The vocal performance is where the record shines – Paul Kuhr has an excellent, melancholic clean tone across the record, and a clear, aggressive, understandable growl when the band veers closer to Death-Doom. The Mammoth is most reminded of a more polished, less gothic version of early Paradise Lost. A unqualified recommendation.
Highlight Tracks: The Dance, Ravenous, The Fool
Worthy of Investigation?
Absolutely.
Castle Rat – The Bestiary
Sword and Sorcery Heavy Metal is an offshoot of Doom, and Castle Rat ticks off all the boxes a listener familiar witht eh genre would expect. Epic riffing? Check. Twin guitar solos? Check. Ballads straight out of a Ren Faire? Check. The vocals are soaring and passionate, the guitar tone bright and gnarly, if the listener is looking for an epic heavy metal adventure, with shades of late 60’s fantasy weirdness, the Mammoth would readily recommend this record.
Highlight Tracks: Siren, Crystal Cave, Sun Song
Worthy of Investigation?
The Mammoth is Curious if Castle Rat’s sound has evolved much over time, or if this is their standard vibe.
Lera Lynn – Comic Book Cowboy
A very chill and relaxing Americana album. Lynn sings about themes of aging and midlife crises, and while a solidly written/produced record, it’s neither terribly instrumentally interesting nor are the matters discussed particularly deeply. She described this record as very personal and it comes off as such.
Highlight Track: Comic Book Cowboy
Worthy of Investigation?
The Mammoth wouldn’t describe the experience listening to this as fundamentally different from a standard hour waiting in a Starbucks. Take from that what you will.
GANS – Good for the Soul
Good for the Soul is the debut album from the Birmingham band Gans, and while the album is a blend of varied genres and influences, the energy between the two members unites it. A relentless, ready to dance, ready to shout, ready to groove energy that pervades through this whole record. The Mammoth is extremely fond of the contrast between buzzy bass lines and glittery synths, classic dance drumming turned up to 20, and loudspeaker vocal aesthetic that unites this excellent album.
Highlight Tracks: In Time, Nightwalking, King’s Head
Worthy of Investigation?
This is not really applicable, being Gans’ debut record, but the Mammoth assures you that he is looking out for their sophomore release with great interest