Saturday 1 January 2022

Volcanova - Cosmic Bullshit (EP Review)

Release Date: February 25th 2022. Record Label: The Sign Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Cosmic Bullshit  - Tracklisting

1. Salem

2. Gold Coast

3. Desolation

4. End Of Time

5. No Wheels

6. Lost Spot


Members


Samuel Ásgeirsson - guitar, vocals

Thorsteinn Árnasson - bass guitar, vocals

Dagur Atlason - drums, vocals


Review


This Icelandic trio has stirred the airwaves for a few years now and are back with a new recording, and what is there to say? They go from strength to strength with 'Cosmic Bullshit', just listen and let it soak in and you know what I mean. The musical sphere they move within is starting to get oversaturated, like most genres, but Volcanova elegantly and effortlessly side-step any trappings, Instead the guys throw off any shackles and inhibitions and let everything roll. And the end-result? Bloody fantastic, you hear! Read on and see if I can do this masterpiece any justice.

 

Gripping you by the throat right from the start ‘Salem’ blends riffs, licks, melody and harmonies perfectly while moving back and forth between tempos…only to switch into cool jam session before ending at full tilt. ‘Gold Coast’ slows down just a touch going more for groove seeped in tight rhythms and razor sharp riffs. The explosive ending heightens an already great song. ‘Desolation’ absolutely destroys everything in sight. This is fantastic rock’n’roll mixed with the very heaviest and melodic parts of stoner rock. No holds barred from these gents and I wouldn’t want it any other way.


End Of Time’ starts out largely acoustic giving the listener a chance to catch one’s breath, but around 1:45 minutes Volcanova ups the ante and rocks as only they can, heavy yet melodic. A cool slower spaced out bluesy section follows before Samuel pulls off a wonderful solo. ‘No Wheels’ is short, sharp and to the point, this is intense, crushing and fabulous. Last out is ‘Lost Spot’ is the longest song coming in at almost 7 minutes. Kind of mid-tempo at first mixed with sharp riffs and punishing rhythm section and nice vocal harmonies in the chorus. Then, almost 3 minutes in, they slow everything down with Thorsteinn and Dagur leading the way. Eventually Samuel joins in as the band takes us through uncharted super novas and galaxies before they erupt and go brutally heavy. Absolutely wonderful!

 

Volcanova are something else and something we really need in music today to shake things up and challenge all the bands who just play by the trends. These guys are phenomenal and deserve all the accolades and praise and then some. The top of the world is where they should be and you, dear reader, should help them get there. Volcanova are the real deal, so miss them at your peril!


Words by Håkan Nyman


Cosmic Bullshit will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via The Sign Records from February 25th 2022.


Links


Facebook | BandCamp