WE CAME IN PEACE - Brimstone Howl (Alive Records)
With "We Came in Peace", their fourth album in three years, Brimstone Howl continue to progress in their approach to the finer aspects of their sound. In addition, the Lincoln, Nebraska quartet enlisted the Motor City’s all-star producer Jim Diamond to capture the live aspects of the band, giving the listener an idea of the bands strengths.
On their 2007 release "Guts of Steel", the band displayed a wide arrange of influences ranging from surf to prime Mannish Boy garage rock. The band set their sights on reviewing a menu of mid-60’s freakbeat culinary choices. In the end, the release was a solid effort but lacked a certain cohesive element; as in the case of many young bands. Now, with "We Came in Peace" the band’s earlier efforts, and continued growth as songwriters and seasoned live performers, it comes to a full fruition, gaining a focused approach.
The CD starts off with “They Call Me Hopeless Destroyer” which sets the mood of the release with its full throttle sound. A rolling drum, bluesy slide guitar, tight bass, and organ / piano all quickly move the song along, and keep your foot tapping. “Child of Perdition” provides all the essential elements of great garage rock: bluesy harmonica, attitude filled vocals, a driving guitar riff, and a steady bottom / drive to keep it busy. The track “Obliterator” continues the band’s fascination with all things included on the Nuggets compilation series, as vocalist John Ziegeler tells you how’s it gonna be.
The band displays a more psychedelic edge that they hinted at earlier on prior releases. “Yr. Gonna Walk” features a Detroit edge to the song, complete with MC5–Stooges chord and fuzztone elements. On the track “Bye Bye”, a driving beat is accompanied with a nice distorted guitar riff, followed by guitarist Rick Waggoner’s lead. “Catamite Blues” mines this territory too. Above all, Jim Diamond’s clear production efforts point to the band trying to approximate an authentic 60’s sound. The highlight of this pairing is on the track “Firewalk”, which packs a nice punch in all of the aforementioned strengths of the band / producer.
Brimstone Howl maintain an interesting sound. Brimstone Howl are capable to avoid the retro clichés, as they have one foot rooted in the past, and another firmly planted in current relevancy. The new release "We Came in Peace" further adds more credence to a band not afraid to hone, and thus refine, their sound, all the while building upon a strong foundation. - Arthur S
HOW DID WE DO?
ADD YOUR OWN COMMENT OR RATE THIS MUSIC
