Saturday 20 January 2018

Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard/Slomatics - TOTEMS (Album Review)


Release date: March 2018. Label: Black Bow Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Totems – Tracklisting

(MWWB) The Master and His Emissary
(MWWB) Eagduru

(SLO) Ancient Architects
(SLO) Silver Ships Into The Future
(SLO) Master's Descent

Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard - Members

Jessica Ball
James Carrington
Wez Leon
Paul Davies

Slomatics - Members

Chris Couzens - Guitar
David Majury - Guitar
Marty Harvey - Drums/Vocals

Review

Fuck.

This. Is. Incredible.

I wouldn't have necessarily put these two together as bands that would put a split out, but as soon as you hear it, it's makes perfect sense that they did. And thank goodness they did.

MWWB kick off proceedings with just two tracks (still over 20 minutes combined) vs the three that Slomatics have contributed.

Opening track "The Master And His Emissary" is nothing short of perfect. Two minutes of droning repetitive synth (I genuinely mean that as a compliment) which suddenly gives way to FUCKING MASSIVE RIFFS, which build in momentum and structure as the song progresses and the distinctive and ethereal vocals cover the FUCKING MASSIVE RIFFS in swathes of melody for the best part of 12 minutes. Lovely stuff.

2nd track "Eagduru" follows suit and by the time it's all over if you're anything like me you'll find yourself reaching towards the repeat button.

But before you get a chance here comes Belfast's Slomatics with their own equally FUCKING MASSIVE RIFFS BUT FROM SPACE, as they start where their Welsh chums left off.

"Ancient Architects" is ace and the perfect way to introduce a slight change in the Slomatics sound as we see (or hear) the synth start to play a more prominent role in the bands sound. Everything else that you would expect is present and correct, those soaring vocals, concussive drumming and of course FUCKING MASSIVE RIFFS BUT FROM SPACE all play a part here.

"Silver Ships To The Future" makes for a nice interlude before the record closes with what I actually think is the best song Slomatics have ever written. It's definitely my favourite.

"Master's Descent" is an absolute joy from start to finish. About halfway through the song, just when I was expecting (and hoping) to be bludgeoned with another FUCKING MASSIVE RIFF BUT FROM SPACE Slomatics throw a massive curve ball...

The synth pops back up whilst the dual guitars hammer away beneath it and then there's a female vocal which is Jessica from MWWB making an appearance. It repeats, and builds and builds to a glorious crescendo that left me grinning form ear to ear desperate for more. Honestly. I'm pretty sure this is their masterpiece and if this is a sign of things to come I can't wait to hear more.

"Totems" is an absolute beast of a release that showcases two of the best bands in action today and both delivering probably their best material to date.

Don't be foolish and get over to Black Bow Records now and pre-order a copy because you'll kick yourself if you miss this.

Words by Simon Williams

Thanks to Curtis at Dewar PR for the promo. Totems will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Black Bow Records from March 2018.

MWWB Links:


Slomatics Links: