Release Date: 01st May 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
SIT - Tracklisting
1.Leash 04:21
2.HHYB? 04:03
3.Meanie 02:55
4.Mellotrauma 03:41
Review
LEASH is the new band from Hudu Akil's Zac Crye which sees this project play a similar style of music of that great band but focusing upon a more Psychedelic, Punk Rock and Desert Rock attitude. The music is perhaps more riff-centric compared to Hudu Akil and will impress fans of bands such as DOZER, KYUSS and MONSTER MAGNET. There’s a highly energetic attitude to LEASH’s music which you can feel on their debut EP - SIT. The record is full of catchy Desert Rock sounds that quickly transform into a wave of Psychedelic and Space Rock soundscapes that have an eerie Blues Rock familiarity to them.
Shades of early-era QOTSA can be heard throughout the EP with opening tracks as Leash and HHYB? allowing LEASH the time to slow things right before thinking of their next strategic move with their music. The Punk Rock atmosphere can mostly be heard within the production values and sludgy guitars that make a more commanding presence within the quieter parts of the record.
LEASH even allow themselves the creative opportunity to add a spicy “GRUNGE” aspect to the record which adds a level of Nineties Alt-Rock sensibility which demonstrates a low-key Droned Out and Fuzz based effect. SIT does have a dominant DIY recording ethic that’s been used to great effect that gives LEASH a gritty and less polished sound which is what you need for a great debut release to grab audiences attention with.
The final two tracks of Meanie and Mellotrauma are the most rebellious and aggressive tracks on the record with similar sounds from HUDU AKIL appearing along the way. There’s some cool sounding QOTSA based Desert/Stoner Rock with LEASH exploring their musical influences with great love and affection whilst also doing their own thing. This is a great riff-fuelled musical quest with LEASH impressing yet again.
SIT is a superbly entertaining EP which should allow LEASH to introduce themselves to the underground Stoner Rock/Metal scene in a great way and I’m hoping to hear more from LEASH with perhaps a longer release next time. As my only complaint is the EP is too damn short. However, that shouldn’t stop you for adding this to your record collection at the earliest opportunity.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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