Release Date: April 21st 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD
Gutter South: Tracklisting
1.Folk Magic
2.Interlude
3.Feast of Snakes
4.Belly Lint
5.The Cycle
Review
Sludge/Stoner Metallers Dope Skum impressed me greatly back in November 2022 when I reviewed their single Folk Magic with their blend of down-tuned and crusty punk based grooves. The song had rough production values which only added to the overall charm of the single.
Dope Skum return with their new EP Gutter South and it continues their down-tuned journey into the harsh realms of Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal with that Crust Punk environment allowing the band to play some mighty fine bleak grooves throughout the release. There’s also a sense of fun with their new EP and if you dig bands such as BONGZILLA and WEEDEATER then you’ll be in fine company with this great band.
The EP is quite Blues Rock based with an Americana feel at times which comes out fully on the opening song Folk Magic. There’s a trippy element to their music that makes it even more compelling.
Second song Interlude is an eighty second song that is mostly a subtle Blues Rock Acoustic jamming session with the vocals being inspired by Johnny Cash but with a devilish occult rock edge. The song is quite spooky and thought provoking despite its short running time.
Third song Feast Of Snakes sees the band get back to business of playing down-tuned Sludgy grooves and it’s one of my favourite tracks on the EP. The song has an unforgiving down-tuned tone with the music being more distorted as time moves on. The highly atmospheric atmosphere works superbly well with their dark NOLA based sounds. The vocals have a classic grunge quality to them with Dope Skum even injecting Spaced Out elements to the song. The instrumental work is superb and despite the rough heaviness of the track, Dope Skum still play some highly melodic elements to this track.
The final two tracks Belly Lint and The Cycle offer a darker style of WEEDIAN and NOLA based sounds with Dope Skum being fully aware of the bleak vision they’re singing about especially on Belly Lint. The lyrics have a real life quality to them and I can hear an EYEHATEGOD and DOWN influence running throughout both of these tracks.
Gutter South is a sublime EP full of richly deserved real life observations contained within the harsh lyrics. The music is the real star even with the more outlandish moments that appear on the EP. The DIY Production values allows Dope Skum to offer their best release to date.
I have a feeling when these guys release their debut full length release that we’ll be in for something special. As Dope Skum could be one of the most exciting bands to look out for within the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal underground scene especially if you like your music with a sense of bleak realism.
Gutter South is seriously that good. Add this to your collection now. You won’t be sorry!!!
Words by Steve Howe.
Thanks to Dope Skum for the promo.
Gutter South will be available to buy on CD/DD from April 20th 2023.
Links
Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram
