Release
date: December 18th
2015. Label: Abraxan
Hymns.
Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Purple
– Tracklisting
01.
Morningstar
02.
Shock Me
03.
Try to Disappear
04.
Kerosene
05.
Fugue
06.
Chlorine & Wine
07.
The Iron Bell
08.
Desperation Burns
09.
If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain)
10.
Crossroads of Infinity
Band
Members:
John
Baizley - guitar, vocals
Pete
Adams - guitar, vocals
Sebastian
Thomson – drums
Nick
Jost – bass/keyboard
Review:
Yellow
& Green was a major turning point in Baroness music career as
it’s an album that divided fans and critics alike. They went
through a terrible experience in 2012 when they were involved in a
major bus crash in the United Kingdom. The members ended up
hospitalised and as a result two members of the band (Alan Bickle and
Matt Maggioni) left the band in 2013.
It
took a long time for Baroness to regroup with the current members
they have now and to record their follow-up to Yellow & Green
with Purple. A lot has been riding on this album especially since the
band is releasing this album on their own label – Abraxan Hymns.
Could the band reclaim past glories and regain some of the fans they
lost with Yellow & Green. I like to think they have or at least
return to their earlier heavier sound seen on Red and Blue.
Opening
track – Morningstar is classic Baroness through and through.
Fast-paced progressive sludge riffs with a stunning twin-dual guitar
backdrop that would make Thin Lizzy proud. This is the best John
Baizley has sounded since the Blue Record. Full of confidence and a
knowing swagger to prove why he’s thought of so highly. The 70s
sounding psych riffs add a classic rock touch. Though these songs are
Baroness through and through with sludgy and progressive riffs are
the main order of business.
Second
track – Shock Me – seems like a lost track from Yellow &
Green especially with the opening low-key synths before Baroness
unleash a trademark thunderous riff. John’s vocals impress yet
again as he sings his heart out here. The lyrics are very heartfelt
and emotional which isn’t surprising with what they’ve
experienced in the past. Swirls of psych rock appear now and then but
it’s the familiar dual guitars of John and Pete that holds
everything together.
Third
track – Try To Disappear – is more prog/psych rock with the
Sludgy riffs kept to a minimum. It’s still a very loud affair as it
allows Baroness to try different things with their sound. It’s a
very commanding song that’s perhaps one of the albums stand-out
songs.
Fourth
track – Kerosene – has quite a jagged and choppy approach as the
riffs have a stop/start feel. It can be quite poppy in places but
that’s a good thing as Baroness have written a fantastic sing-along
chorus for you to join in. Ambient noises and sounds appear to add a
more thrilling edge to the album. Baroness splice Psychedelic Rock
into the mix as they leave their Sludge Metal roots behind.
Fifth
track – Fugue slows things right down as Baroness open with a
trippy semi acoustic riff. It’s more of a smoky jazz/prog rock kind
of affair with ambient noises that we haven’t heard from Baroness
before.
Sixth
track – Chlorine & Wine - is going to be the stand-out song for
many as it’s an emotionally challenging song that starts off very
slowly but becomes very loud as time goes by. This song is definitely
influenced by John’s experiences recovering from the terrible bus
crash as the lyrical content is very bleak at times. John pours his
heart out hear for everyone to hear and fully experience. Despite the
hard subject matter, Baroness play the albums finest riffs as the
dual psych guitars become more dream-like. The song ends on a
glorious hopeful note that I dare you not to be moved and nod your
head in agreement to this highly anthemic song.
There
are four songs left on the album. The last song Crossroads Of
Infinity is 17 seconds of distorted noise which doesn’t add
anything to the album. Before then you’re treated to three
excellent songs (The Iron Bell, Desperation Burns and If I Have To
Wake Up Next To You (Would You Stop The Rain?) that sees Baroness
return to their earlier heavier sludgy riffs with shades Yellow &
Green running through out.
Purple
is an album Baroness should rightly be proud of as it’s an
outstanding album and a welcome return to form, from one of Sludge
Rock/Metal’s best bands.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Monica at Speakeasy PR and Phoebe at Parlophone Music for the
promo. Purple is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Abraxan Hymns
from all good stockists now.
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