4ad / Ada
2006
Vessels
About This Album
The opening title track on Vessels is the epitome of the word "driving" -- one buzzing grunge guitar strums in time with the kick thump and snare crack, while another axe howls feedback endlessly in the background. There's virtually no build or dynamic; it just goes. And it goes hard. Every instrument and vocal part is recorded in the red and overdriven, similar to a Kasabian or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club album. There's an unrelenting Spacemen 3-type chugging with dispersed vocals shouting "How does it feel?" Then, just after settling into the fifth minute, the band downshifts into the world of Fu Manchu, with a heavy-as-hell, half-tempo, head-banging breakdown. These moments are great when Wolf & Cub show that they are capable of changing gears, but more often than not, songs don't really go anywhere interesting. Solid grooves dominate the album like a hard rock drum circle alongside smoky guitar static and dirty funk basslines in jam-session form. This is probably due to the inclusion of a second drummer, as the constant unchanging rhythms make it easier for both members to lock in and stay in the pocket. Songs concentrate on a repeating bass riff, a similar guitar lick or power chord, and a monotone yell.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7)

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