Release
date: March 10th
2016. Label: Self Released. Format: DD
The
Oxwhal – Tracklisting
1.The
Pachyderm 07:16
2.Luminous
Vessel 08:30
3.Meat
Sleeper 12:05
4.I'm
not meant to be here 07:54
5.Where
the river used to flow 04:52
6.Natural
Forms 04:43
7.Artificial
Ruins 11:08
Review:
You
Big Ox is the work of one person. Derek Donley. Derek is also part of
Bereft, The Cruellest Animal, National Sunday Law and Graviton. I'm a
huge fan of National Sunday Law and Graviton. Derek has another great
project to his name, mainly – You Big Ox. You Big Ox have just
released their debut album – The Oxwhal.
The
album is a complex and progressive listen where Derek doesn’t offer
an easy ride through the albums fifty seven minute run time. You are
treated to different style of rock/metal such as Prog, Psych, Sludge,
Doom, Stoner all held together by an intriguing almost labyrinth
style of Post-Metal. The vocals change from harsh growls to a more
dream based vibe which I kind of expected from the music that Derek
has created in the past. If you’re a fan of NSL and Graviton then
this album is the natural evolution for Derek to progress with.
My
only complaint is that the songs have a similar vibe running through
out. I would have liked to see Derek try more variety with the
structure of the songs. Other than that minor complaint, Derek has
created a daring and bold album especially when he tries his hand at
Torche style melodies against the harsher post-metal tones. The album
can be unforgiving at times as it contains a few dark lyrical themes.
The production is first rate through out. The Oxwhal could have
easily been released by well known indie label as it sounds that
good.
Standout
tracks are: The Pachyderm, Meat Sleeper and Artificial Ruins.
The
Oxwhal is an album you need to listen to a few times to fully
understand all of its themes and complex riffs. It took me a few
listens to fully understand the whole album and to truly appreciate
it. There’s enough going on for Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal fans
to invest their time and money into this album as it’s jam-packed
with some truly exciting ideas.
Excellent
and Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
