Release
date: February 1st
2017. Label: Self Released. Format: DD
Black
Stuff – Tracklisting
1.Two People in the
Dark 03:46
2.She Far Out 03:21
3.Mock Moon 03:42
4.Long Time Dead
02:09
5.Docile 04:41
Band
Members
Tom
Lister - Main Vocal / Lead Guitar
Henry
Smith - Rhythm Guitar / Vocals
Shafiq
Dufrene - Bass Guitar
Sam
Hamer - Drums
Review
Val
Cale debut EP – Black Stuff – is a Psychedelic/Stoner Rock record
with the mood firmly rooted in Blues Rock. The EP has a slight bleak
mood but that allows Val Cale to play heavy based blues.
Opening
track – Two People In The Dark – has a feel of band who have been
playing this kind of music for decades. As it's expertly written and
played throughout. Shades of Sabbath and Pink Floyd appear at times.
So expect moments of 60s/70s Psychedelic Blues/Stoner Rock. Tom's
vocals take a few moments to warm up but put in a superb performance.
Second
track – She Far Out – opens with a slowly played psych riff with
moments of blues rock being the main factor. Val Cale show their love
and appreciation for all things 60s/70s classic rock again. It's
another excellent song from the band and one that contains a few
heavy riffs to lose yourself in.
Now
I'm going to be critical of the following two songs Mock Moon and
Long Time Dead. The songs are perhaps the weakest parts of the EP. As
they're too slow for their own good. I was expecting something more
fast-paced. Though the songs are superbly played with some cool
lyrics as well.
Final
track – Docile – sees Val Cale return to the heavier sounds of
the opening two tracks and perhaps the standout track on the EP. This
is where the Stoner Rock influence comes into play and it's glorious.
I feel that Val Cale were inspired by Nirvana for this song
especially with the bass and Tom's vocals.
Black
Stuff is a very good EP indeed and I can see these guys making a name
for themselves within the Blues/Classic Rock scene when they've
released a few records.
Words
by Steve Howe
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