Friday 6 October 2017

TRIUMPHS - Computer Man (Album Review)


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

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