Release
date: 15th January 2018. Label: Various. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
SLOWGOD
II – Tracklisting
1.Altares 08:38
2.Queen Cobra 04:37
3.Malmuerta 04:53
4.Ǝr 07:12
5.Horror &
Pleasure 04:53
6.Malstrøm 08:05
Members
Liz: Voices
Josef: Guitars &
Theremin
Félix: Drums
Pistolo: Bass
Review
I
never found the time to review Grajo's debut album back in 2016. I
wasn't going to make the same mistake twice with Slowgod II. This is
a psychedelic wonderland of different noises ranging from Doom, Space
Rock, Sludge and Stoner Rock. Grajo have created a true out of world
sound with flourishes of Blues Rock that come mostly from their
immensely talented lead singer Liz.
Opening
song – Altares – starts off very slowly before the heavy sludgy
guitars from Josef and the pummelling bass from Pistolo. Taking
influence from Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard at times, Grajo slowly
evolve into their own sound with the hollow psychedelic droned out
vibes keeping the mood vibrant and slightly moody. The song has a
cool sounding “shoegaze” effect that slowly disappears when the
distorted sound effects appear.
Second
track – Queen Cobra – is a real Sludge/Stoner Rock number with
fast-paced grooves and a hard-rocking Blues vibe. Liz takes centre
stage yet again with another superb vocal performance. This is a very
different song to the opening track and it shows Grajo have enhanced
their sound since their debut album.
Third
track – Malmuerta – opens with trippy psychedelic Middle Eastern
vibe and sees Grajo experiment with their sound yet again. It's a
beautifully played and soulful number. The heavy riffs do take their
time to appear but when they do, Grajo offer a more reflective and
emotional doom and gloom atmosphere.
The
final 3 songs Ǝr, Horror & Pleasure and Malstrøm offer more of
the same psychedelic spaced out sounds. With Ǝr and Malstrøm being
the main highlights on the second half of the album. The production
is superbly solid throughout. The music is loud and crisp. Liz proves
what a fantastic vocalist she is on each of the songs on the album.
Though credit must also goto Josef, Felix and Pistolo for creating a
sublime hard-rocking atmosphere that expertly blends the different
elements of Doom, Sludge, Psych and Stoner Metal into one glorious
sounding experience.
Slowgod
II is a thrilling and exciting album that proves without a doubt that
Grajo are one of the scenes best kept secrets. Though I expect bigger
and better things will be coming to Grajo real soon.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
CD
via Underground Legends Records.
Cassette
(Limited to 50 copies with a alternative cover) by Spinda Records
Vinyl
(coming soon) by DHU Records.
