Release
date: September 07th
2018. Label: Brutal
Panda Records.
Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Dead
Now – S/T
– Tracklisting
1.Brunette
2.Ritchie
Blackmourning
3.Bird
Leaf
4.Powershapes
5.Motorekt
Members
Bobby
Theberge - Day Old Man
Derek
Schulz - Day Old Man
Andrew
Elstner - Ex Torche, Tilts, Riddle of Steel
Review
Dead
Now is the new band featuring Bobby Theberge, Derek Schulz of Day Old
Man and Andrew Elstner from bands such as Tilts, Riddle Of Steel and
ex-Torche. Playing a heavy stylized version of Sludge Rock with
elements of Psych, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Stoner Metal and a whole
lot of attitude to match.
Dead
Now debut self-titled album is a highly confident affair that takes
the standard Sludge Rock template and gives it a more self-aware
makeover and that’s perhaps down to the wicked humour that is
contained within the lyrics and some of the song titles. I’ve
always found that with almost every band that Andrew has been a
member of that the music has been blissfully heavy but with catchy
lyrics to match that sometimes leave you with a smile on your face
even when your rocking out to the music.
Bobby
and Derek bring a more dirtier and psychedelic sound compared to
Andrew’s style of music and that’s no bad thing. As Dead Now have
a more vibrant sound than I originally expected.
Opening song – Brunette – is a classic rock/stoner metal hybrid sound with hard-rocking sludgy based guitars that is off-set by a sinister poppy sound. It’s perhaps not too far away from Torche’s standard sound but the music has a more industrial noise rock driven atmosphere. Andrew’s vocals are good as ever. Perhaps his best work since Tilts last album.
Second
track – Ritchie Blackmourning – is where Dead Now take influence
from the members previous bands and it ends up being one of the
albums standout songs. The song has a “Doom-Pop” feel with the
band playing fast-paced psych sludge/stoner rock riffs that leave you
wanting more. The heavy guitars have a “classic” heavy metal
approach that holds everything together. The guitar solos are what
make this song one of the best tracks on the album.
Third
track – Bird Leaf – sees
Dead Now adding a more grizzled Post-Rock feel to their overall
sound. The song still retains it’s Sludge/Stoner Rock identity but
the band start to adopt a more Alternative Rock flair to their music.
Andrew’s vocals are more threatening and quite sincere at the same
time. However it’s the backline of Bobby and Derek that impressed me
the most on this song. As the heavy drums and pounding bass guitar
are quite ferocious and leave you wanting more.
The
final two songs – Powershapes and Motorekt – are perhaps the true
centrepieces of the album with both songs seeing Dead Now playing a
more progressive style of Sludge/Stoner Metal and one that will
genuinely excite fans the most. As the music drifts from one heavy
level of noise to the next. Motorekt is perhaps the best song on the
album as Dead Now let everything out and show you that they mean
business with their style of heavy rock/metal.
The
only downside is that the only is too damn short running under 23
minutes. Though Dead Now have still managed to release a thrilling
and brilliantly entertaining record that will see these guys build
a mighty impression with the Sludge/Stoner Metal community.
Watch
DEAD NOW soar to greater heights with this album and future releases.
Your new favourite band is here…..
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Brutal Panda Records for the promo. Dead Now S/T debut album will
be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Brutal Panda Records from
September 7th
2018.
Links:
