Waingro - SPORTS (EP Review)

Release Date: September 27th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD/Vinyl

SPORTS  - Track Listing:

1. Fuel For Vomit (2:30)

2. Sports (2:27)

3. Brougham (3:34)

4. Masonic Falls (1:07)

5. Pray For Blackout (1:43)

Members

Benjie Nesdoly - Drums

Brian Sepanzyk - Guitar/Vocals

Nate Pennell - Bass

Review

Sludge/Stoner Metal bruisers WAINGRO celebrate their tenth anniversary by releasing their superb new EP SPORTS which sees the band playing a primal style of Hardcore Punk compared to their previous albums. The EP lasts under twelve minutes with the band feeling inspired by fellow Canadian Punk bands such as The Bronx and Fucked Up though with WAINGRO’s trademark Sludge/Stoner Metal sounds that’s lasted them well. The music is catchy, aggressive and wonderfully fast-paced that sees WAINGRO harking back to the sounds of their celebrated debut album. With only five songs to play with on SPORTS, all the tracks follow a similar creative path and sound to each other but when the the music is pissed off SLUDGE METAL FURY then business is good especially on the outstanding tracks of Fuel For Vomit, Sports and Brougham. Taking a High On Fire and Motorhead thrash based attitude within their music, everything does become quite distorted and metallic before the time is up. Check out the wicked EP cover for SPORTS and you’ll see a ton of classic 1980’s and 1990's action, horror and science fiction movies within the photos which only adds to the rebellious attitude of the whole VIBE that WAINGRO expertly dominates throughout the whole EP. This is the first piece of new music from WAINGRO in five years and I’m hoping there will be more planned as eleven minutes is never enough time with this great band. Though, I shouldn’t complain too much as SPORTS is direct and very straight to the point with WAINGRO getting SHIT done within the EP’s short run time. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Good Boy PR for the promo.

SPORTS will be available to buy on DD/Vinyl from Friday 27th September 2024.

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

WAINGRO - Mt Hood (Album Review)

Release date: November 13^th 2015. Label: Self Released. Format: DD/Vinyl

Mt Hood – Tracklisting

1.DESERT SON 05:12

2.REDWOODS 02:41

3.PALO VERDE 03:00

4.RALEIGH 01:41

5.MT HOOD 07:09

6.BLACK EAGLE 01:35

7.NOMAD 03:18

8.FRONTERA 01:28

9.MERCURY SIX 02:07

10.VAN SANT 03:31

11.ORION 02:56

Band Members:

Brian Sepanzyk – Guitar/Vox

Nate Pennell – Bass

Benjie Nesdoly – Drums

Review:

Canadian Sludge/Stoner/Punk Upstarts – WAINGRO – have released a new album called, Mt Hood. Almost 12 months after releasing their acclaimed S/T debut album. WAINGRO provide a heavy onslaught of fast-paced Punk driven Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs. Fans of Fuzz Rock/Hard Rock will find much to enjoy here as WAINGRO don’t disappoint on that front either.

Opening track – Desert Son – is crackling with highly addictive Fuzz Rock with a heavy punk based vocals to match. WAINGRO create some exciting noise that fans of Every Time I Die and Cancer Bats will appreciate. WAINGRO play some stunning riffs near the end of the song before the screeching vocals takes the mood to another level of heaviness.

Second track – Red Woods – opens with a fast-paced thrash/punk riff with Brian’s hardcore snarling vocals being sung almost fast as the music itself. The fuzz based Stoner riffs have a distinctive Psych Rock quality which sees WAINGRO try something different with their sound. It’s still a mean, loud and angry track with WAINGRO proving they have something special about them.

Third track – Pablo Verde – carries on the fast-paced Punk/Sludge/Stoner Riffs with Brian on fine form once more. Nothing much changes from the opening two tracks but Pablo Verde is still an addictive slice of loud, heavy and distorted Stoner Rock.

Fourth Track – Raleigh – is a psychedelic instrumental affair with WAINGRO giving Brian’s vocals a well deserved rest as they play one of the albums standout tracks. A heavy psychedelic riff-fest with the Hardcore Punk vibe nowhere to be seen. It’s a shame this track is over within 2 mins as I would love to hear an extended version of this song. It’s a bass heavy affair with the fuzz-laiden guitars adding something different to the album. Maybe next time guys…

Fifth track – Mt Hood – is another one of the albums standout tracks. A 7 minute plus epic with the band opting for a heavier stripped back approach. The guitars are played at a slow pace as the mood becomes slightly brooding and gloomier as a result. Brian’s vocals undergo a Thrashier/Doomier makeover as WAINGRO unleash the albums heaviest tracks. It’s deliberately slow-paced and that allows the band to create a more menacing approach to their music. This is Stoner Rock with a demonic edge.

Sixth Track – Black Eagle sees WAINGRO return to the albums earlier sounds as they blast their way through 95 seconds of intense Stoner Rock fury.

I think you get the idea on how the rest of the album plays out. Loud and heavy Sludge/Stoner riffs with the band on fine form through-out. Other great tracks to check out: Nomad, Frontera and the blistering final song – Orion. The more I listen to this album, the more I appreciate it more and more as WAINGRO have created an album that’s miles ahead of their debut album and one that will only enhance their reputation as one of Canada’s best upcoming Stoner Rock/Metal bands.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp