Sunday 14 April 2019

BORT - The Unblinking Eye (EP Review)


Release date: April 12th 2019. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Coiled Light – Tracklisting

1.9:08 01:40
2.Bloodcult 06:11
3.Cascadia 04:42
4.Everybody Wants To Rule The World 04:42
5.Visions 08:13

Members

Josh Percy - Lead Vocals
Brandon Corness - Guitar, Vocals, Synths
Crouton McGinn - Bass, Vocals
Ian Alvarez - Drums, Vocals

Review

Canadian Stoner/Sludge Rockers BORT are back with their new EP – The Unblinking Eye – and it builds upon the strange hybrid Sludge/Stoner/Psych/Desert Rock sound they created on their 2018 acclaimed debut album – Crossing The Desert.

Opening song 9:08 is a trippy slow-paced Desert Rock/Post Rock number that offers an eerie glimpse into BORT’s dark world. It’s a cool little song that I wish was on that little bit longer. However things soon move up a gear with the next song…

Second song – Bloodcult – is a doom based offering with the Sludge/Stoner Metal grooves offering a more classic sound with the dark vibes of the desert shining through. The psychedelic gloomy atmosphere allows Josh’s vocals to soar pretty high and his vocals do hit some pretty high notes with the backup vocals from Brandon offering able support. BORT feel Inspired by Black Sabbath and KYUSS on this song and it’s an epic progressive song with a lot of emotional depth which I didn’t expect at all.

Third song – Cascadia – sees BORT play a more darker style of music with personal lyrics to match. The dark sounding Desert Rock grooves are still key here but the gloomier Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs is what you holds your attention. The song does feel a bit uneven at times but BORT still impress when the heavier riffs appear.

BORT’s next song is one that really surprised me as it’s a cover of Tears For Fears classic – Everybody Wants To Rule The World. I never expected BORT to record this song as it’s not exactly their usual style of music. However I will admit not only is the best song on the EP but perhaps the best cover I’ve heard of this song. BORT make the song their own by adding a Post-Rock/Doom/Stoner Rock flavour to the song and it works amazingly well. The song is both heartfelt and destructive in equal measure.

The EP ends with the epic sounding Visions and that’s the other standout song on the EP. As BORT carry on playing their dark and majestic style of Sludge/Stoner Rock. This song does hold some of the best riffs on the EP. Visions acts as a great end to an outstanding EP.

The Unblinking Eye is perhaps even better than their debut album and I rate that album very highly. Someone needs to sign these guys to their label now as they have huge potential to do great things within the Sludge/Stoner Metal scene and this EP only proves that.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to BORT for the promo to review. The Unblinking Eye is available to buy on CD/DD now.

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