Release
date: October 02nd 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Computer
Man – S/T – Tracklisting
1.Computer
Man 06:52
2.South
of Denim 02:02
3.Tomb
of Christopher Columbus 05:14
4.Ode
to Friendship 05:26
5.The
Empire Never Ended 06:36
6.The
Little-Death 05:42
7.Ditch
Witch 04:37
8.Space
Embrace 07:36
9.Twang
of the Void 10:22
10.Put
to Bed 05:35
Members
Mathew
Anderson on Drums
John
Bollen on Guitars
Review
New
Zealand Instrumental Sludge/Stoner Metal Duo Triumphs return with
their new album – Computer Man. Continuing with the heavy sounds
from their debut album, Computer Man is a more expansive album with
the band playing a different kind of Sludge/Stoner Metal sound.
Opening
track – Computer Man – starts with a psychedelic post-rock sound
that isn't too far away from the likes of early Russian Circles or
Pelican. Though Triumphs soon bring a heavier thunderous
Sludge/Stoner Metal riff to the party with the band showing their
intent from the start. The sound can be very distorted at times but
Triumphs have a way of capturing the listeners imagination with brief
glimpses of psychedelic rock and post-metal starting to appear.
Second
track – South Of Denim – has a BIG BUSINESS style delivery with
the band playing a more direct and punk based song compared to the
opening track. It's not the most adventurous song on the album but
Triumphs still manage to keep the mood moving along.
Third
track – Tomb Of Christopher Columbus – is where the band start to
create the albums best moments as the album moves into heavier
territory. Triumphs add a more progressive element to the their sound
and it allows the album to add a more doomier effect especially
during the middle of the song.
Fourth
track – Ode To Friendship – starts with Pelican-esque style riff
that drifts from Post-Metal to a heavier and psychedelic blend of
sludge/stoner rock. The song has a more aggressive attitude compared
to other songs on the album.
Fifth
track – The Empire Never Ended – carries on the aggressive and
pissed-off attitude with Triumphs remaining firmly within the Sludge
Metal camp. This song is s bass heavy affair as the band try a
different sound. It can be quite forceful at times and the mood maybe
too jarring for some. Though I enjoyed the drone based aspect of the
song. As it shows you that Triumphs can really play. A sudden change
in direction that would make Karma To Burn blush keeps the overall
mood of the song sounding slightly kinetic at times.
With
this album being around 60 minutes in length, some people may find
the epic running time a tad too much. Especially for an instrumental
album. That would be a shame as the second half of the album contains
the best songs on the album. With the epic 10 minute Twang Of The
Void being a real highlight. As Triumphs expertly create some
original Sludge/Stoner riffs of their very own.
The
production on the album is very good indeed. There are a few rough
parts on the album where the sound could have done with some extra
work. Though apart from that minor complaint, Triumphs have created a
truly exciting album that will appeal not only to fans of
Instrumental Rock/Metal but also fans of Sludge, Stoner and
Post-Metal.
Computer
Man is a must-have album. Listen, if you feel brave enough.
Words
by Steve Howe
Links:
