Release Date: September 06th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Animals: Tracklisting
1.Pigs on the wing (Part 1)
2.Dogs
3.Pigs (Three different ones)
4.Sheep
5.Pigs on the wing
Members
Trey Wedgeworth: Guitar, vocals, keys, synth
Paul Bradfield: Bass, vocals
Danny Garcia: Drums
Mark Cichra: Guitar, Acoustic guitar
Review
Psych/Sludge/Stoner Metallers Faces Of The Bog released their classic debut album Ego Death back in 2016 and is perhaps one of the most overlooked records from the underground scene. Now fast forward eight years later and the band are back with a different kind of record. As the band have bravely decided to cover the whole of the Pink Floyd classic album Animals. This has been done previously before by Kyle Shutt (The Sword) back in 2017 with his critically acclaimed take on Dark Side Of The Moon though this time called Doom Side Of The Moon.
Faces Of The Bog keep firmly close to the script of the original version but with the band adding moments of Sludge Rock, Doom Rock and Stoner Rock edging closely to the forefront of the classic Pink Floyd creative template of exploratory Psychedelic Rock passages. The sound this time is quite vibrant with a heavier and sonic sound with Faces Of The Bog injecting their own underground personality into the record with intriguing results especially within Dogs and Pigs (Three Different Ones).
I will admit I’m not a huge fan of Pink Floyd. I deeply respect and admire their musical legacy but I’m only aware of a few albums that I’ve listened to with Dark Side Of The Moon and Animals being the main ones. However, this record has a haunting message that feels as relevant ever since it was originally released back in 1977. The vocals contained here resemble the overall flow of the original recordings but still vastly different at the same time with excellent work by both Trey Wedgeworth and Paul Bradfield.
This version of Animals is perhaps way more Spaced Out and Psychedelic compared to the original which allows Faces Of The Bog to retain that aggressive sound heard on their debut album to be heard on this record as well. Once again the band have teamed up with the genius that is Sanford Parker who co-produced, recorded and mixed this album and sometimes the record has a gloomy Progressive Metal or Post-Metal attitude especially on the later stages of the album the haunting cover of Sleep.
Faces Of The Bog have delivered a wonderfully progressive and modern take on a landmark album with Animals. With subtle and heavy pounding Sludge Metal grooves becoming the highlight of the whole album that makes me feel happy that Faces Of The Bog are back. I’ve heard that there’s new music coming from Faces Of The Bog in the future but until then Animals is a stunning interpretation to announce your return to the underground scene with.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Faces Of The Bog for the promo.
Animals will be available to buy on Digital Download from Friday 06th September 2024.
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