Release
date: July
10th
2020.
Label: Self
Released.
Format: DD
Mannequin
–
Tracklisting
1.Mannequin
2.Mannequin
[Synthwave Remix]
3.Mannequin
[Director's Cut]
Members
Vocals/
guitars: Tim Kazer
Vocals/
guitars: Charlie Dowzell
Bass/
synth: Kynan Scott
Drums/
percussion: Tom Coles
Review
SAIL
were last featured on the blog back in 2017 when I reviewed their
critically acclaimed album Slumbersong. The band did release an
excellent EP Starve last year which I never found the time to
feature. Though, time to correct that with the release of SAIL’s
superb new EP – Mannequin. This EP features 3 versions of the same
song but with a very cool twist.
As
you have the original version of Mannequin and two different covers
that sound quite different to the original version. SAIL play music
in the same vein as Torche, Red Fang and Mastodon but perhaps
slightly more melodic and way psychedelic in places. The song has
quite a gloomy feel which wasn’t as prominent as their previous
album as it sounds here. The vocals are quite moody and atmospheric
in places and feel more aligned to 90s Alternative Rock than
Sludge/Stoner Metal. Though, it’s a great fit and allows SAIL to
breathe new creative life into their overall sound.
The
two other versions of Mannequin includes a Synthwave Remix and
Director’s Cut and these are equally as good as the original
version.
The
Synthwave version is basically just that. An Electronic based version
of the song which has it’s own unique charms and sounds that
shouldn’t really work but this is some epic trippy stuff here.
Especially with the 80s influence leading the way. The guitars are
nowhere to be heard here. As the title suggests, it’s purely Synths
and if you ever wondered what a modern Sludge/Stoner Metal band would
sound like as an 80s Synthwave band then this is the best possible
answer.
The
Director’s Cut is the best version on the EP. As it’s on almost
twice as long as the original version and the song is more
progressive and takes a lot more creative risks. This version is more
complex and heavier in all of the right places.
If
this is the new direction that SAIL will be heading with future
releases then I’m fully on board with this wonderfully original and
bold style of music. Overall, Mannequin offers 3 different styles of
music for SAIL to impress listeners with and offers a wonderfully
heavy sonic experience helped along by fantastic production.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Curtis at Dewar PR for the promo. Mannequin will be available to buy on DD from
July 10th
2020.
Links:
