Release
date: April 28th 2017. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Gates
Of Dawn – Tracklisting
1. So Pure
2. Demon Seducer
3. The Sun Is Going
Down
4. Come To See the
Show
5. Escape
6. Dreamwheel
7. Bug In the Soup
8. The Sweet Babylon
9. Mojo Filter
10. Straight to Hell
11. The Last Scene
Members:
Tommy Waits - vocals, guitar
Tom C. Johnson - guitar, vocals
J.J. Strangler - bass, vocals
Migis Thunderthrone - drums
Review
Elephant Bell's debut
album - Gates Of Dawn - was originally released digitally back in
2011 though it has never officially been released until now. Thanks
to the good folks at Argonauta Records. I remember buying a copy back
in the day. Don't know if it was BandCamp or some other digital
platform.
This version of Gates
Of Dawn is slightly different to the original version that was
released years ago. The album has been re-mastered and mixed. Plus
the band have added a couple more tracks. This album is never going
to change the world of Stoner Rock/Metal. Though if you're a fan of
bands such as Kyuss, Fu Manchu and Truckfighters it will entertain
you from start to finish.
Songs such as So Pure,
The Sun Is Going Dow, Come To See The Stone, Escape and The Last
Scene show that the band should have had a slightly bigger impact
back when the album was originally released. The band blend elements
of Stoner, Desert Rock, Psych and addictive Fuzz for an exciting
ride.
The album does veer
into Truckfighters style Fuzz/Stoner Rock at times. Then again which
band doesn't nowadays or indeed even back then? I did enjoy the album
more when Elephant Bell opt for a more classic desert/stoner rock
sound. As the album has a playful attitude with spiky lyrics to
match. Gates Of Dawn has quite a raw feel which allows the album not
to feel over-produced.
The instrumental work
is excellent for the most part though there are a few rough moments
that take the edge off slightly on a couple of the songs. It won't
stop your overall enjoyment of the album and it does indeed sound
better than the original version. The vocals have more volume and the
guitars sound more fresh.
Gates Of Dawn is a very
good album indeed. As it shows that Elephant Bell are a band who
truly deserve your time. Let's hope there is a new album from these
guys soon as I want to hear more from them. Hopefully an album that
allows the band to create their own identity within the Stoner Rock
world. If that isn't to be, at least Elephant Bell can rest easily
knowing that the definitive version of their album is now available
the way it's meant to be heard.
Excellent and Highly
Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks to the cool
folks at Argonauta Records, you can now watch the exclusive new video
for Demon Seducer from Gates Of Dawn.
Thanks to Barbara at
NeeCee Agency PR for the promo. The album is available to buy now
from Argonauta Records.
Links:
