Release Date: 23rd February 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Negative Space - Tracklisting
1.As Above 03:14
2.The Abstract 07:16
3.Delirium 06:42
4.Burning Gaze 05:28
5.The Forest 05:50
6.So Below 06:00
Members
Vocals, Synth - Fionnuala McGlinchy
Guitar - Tom Finney
Bass - Michael McFarlane
Drums - Ciaran O'Kane
Review
Negative Space is the new album from Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Rockers Gravity Well who play with a Spaced Out sound with haunting vocals from Fionnuala McGlinchy providing the storytelling narrative. Though, the band injects spoken word interludes into the album. Taking creative cues and inspiration from bands such as SLEEP, Black Sabbath, Windhand and another certain Belfast band by the name of SLOMATICS.
This record has a more groove driven sound compared to their 2022 release Earthbound which sees a diverse range of different Doomed Out melodies and Heavy Psychedelic instrumental passages. The whole record is powered by an epic Stoner Rock/Metal tone which can be quite DRONE based in places especially within the stunning opening tracks of As Above, The Abstract and Delirium.
If you ever wondered what WINDHAND would sound like if they ventured into far reaches of space then Gravity Well is perhaps the closest you’ll hear. However, Gravity Well are most definitely their own band playing a highly addictive blend of Doom/Stoner grooves with a hint of classic Sludge Rock for when the heavy grooves appear. The sound can be quite progressive with a Noise Rock edge on the later stages of the album.
Gravity Well are quite adept in blending Ambient themes and tones into a more Atmospheric style of music which just fills the whole Spaced Out Environment of the record especially on the heaviest parts of the album. The lyrics are another highlight which draws the listener into a deep emotional state especially when the Prog Rock movements appear out of nowhere with Fionnuala’s vocals are the perfect guide which have a deep Alt Rock/Dreamlike flow to them.
The second half of the album is just as diverse and inventive with the multitude of different Psychedelic sounds which cross into Shoegaze/Doomgaze territory with Burning Gaze and So Below being the standout tracks on the album. The band always finds the time to include classic guitar solos even when the song is perhaps dominated by a more ferocious style of Stoner Metal.
Negative Space is a superbly realised and constructed album with Gravity Well bringing their own fantastic style of Psychedelic Stoner Metal to the underground masses. With excellent production values, this album is one that offers a stunning cinematic vision if you like your music with that added extra level of Cosmic SPICE.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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