Release
date: January 20th 2017. Label: Rocket Recordings. Format:
CD/DD/Vinyl
Feed The Rats – Tracklisting
Psychopomp
Sweet Relief
Icon
Band
Members
Matt
Baty (Vocals)
Sam
Grant (Guitar)
John-Michael
Hedley (Bass)
Ewan
Mackenzie (Drums)
Adam
Ian Sykes (Guitar)
Review
Immersive.
psychedelic, absorbing. All ways that could be used to describe
Newcastle Upon Tyne's Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (Pigs (x7).
Riff fuelled, head fucking pleasure is another one and one that is
probably the most apt as debut album Feed The Rats on the esteemed
Rocket Recordings proves beyond a shadow of a doubt. Having
mesmerised listeners with their music for a few years now, the band
step up a level with this album which is a focussed realisation of
epic ideas and swarming riffs that consumes the listeners ears.
The
album opens with the swirling Psychopomp (which was previously
released albeit in a slightly different, demo form that was better
than the majority's of bands mastered tracks and the finished article
will blow minds) and what a way to kick things off, the only way to
describe the sound of Pigs (x7) is massive and this is aurally
personified by Psychopomp. It's heavy without being in the slightest
bit overwhelming, catchy while not sacrificing any of its intensity
and all consuming in its power (just check out the incredible
conclusion of the song for a manifestation of all out sonic power!)
Following
such an accomplished opener should be a difficult task but the much
shorter and catchier Sweet Relief is just the way to do it, a riff
packed pleasure that sounds like Sabbath and Hawkwind jamming cranks
the energy levels up and despite being if a more upbeat nature, keeps
the consistency going before Icon finishes things off and what a way
to end, this is another epic jam with some totally off the grid riffs
and an incredible pounding rhythm topped off with an almost jazz like
bas sound and the colossal vocals of Matt Baty consuming all in their
path.
The
fact that members of the band feature in bands like the mighty
Ommadon, Blown Out and Khunnt is most evident in this closing track
as it has a more brooding intensity akin to those acts but still
maintains that Pigs (x7) spaced out charm and as soon as the song
ends you want to put the album on straight away.
Not
many bands will put out an album consisting of just three songs and
certainly not when two of them are fifteen minute plus epics,
sandwiching a markedly shorter song but Pigs (x7) do just that and
the results are incredible and work extremely well. The album flies
by in a blurry and fuzzy maelstrom of riffed out joy.
2017
is only a few weeks old but with this album it has already got off to
a flying start in terms of quality music. Pigs (x7) have delivered
the goods with Feed The Rats and long may they reign as when the band
take this material on the road then the results are going to blow
even more minds.
Words
by Gavin Brown
Thanks to Rachel at
Silver PR for the promo. Feed The Rats is available to buy on
CD/DD/Vinyl from January 20th 2017 via Rocket Recordings.
Links:
