Brains (ROI) | ‘Strange Meat’

Brains rock. They’ve an interesting approach - in their own words, fusing Varg Vikernes with Tom Petty, which in an era where Gaahl can play an opera wizard isn’t really that odd.

That doesn’t mean it sounds like the last few Darkthrone albums or anything. In fact, its much closer to pure classic rock. They may have grown up into black metal - and indeed one or two of the members were in Co Cork’s rather decent Witchammer - but in all honesty that’s where the link stops.

Bassist, singer and main man Karl Lapot puts his heart and soul into this, and you can hear that it’s a labour of love. His singing is strong, clear, on the notes and passionate. The harmonies, where they are, are well placed and add to the coolness of the whole thing.

It’s lilting and swaggering doom orientated classic rock. We’ve had a fair bit of it lately - Howlin’ Widow, Hunger’s Mother, and indeed a rash of it down the southern end of the country. This is among the best that’s come out of it.

The production’s vintage. It’s warm, gnarly and even has a nice Hammond in the background at the appropriate moments. The double time tambourine shake in ‘Muddy Water’ lends things a 60’s feel, while ‘Strange Meat’ even has an echo of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Machine Gun’ if you listen in there somewhere. That’s notwithstanding the wee country lick that also made it in.

I really like this. It’s a demo of real personality, where the band have a very clear, and enthusiastic idea of what they’re doing. Opener ‘Wolfbeast’ cranks out the rock, and the whole thing is interesting and very, very listenable from there on in.

The black metal connection isn’t really there, despite what they say. It is however fantastic old rock. get a copy.

- Earl Grey ::: 22/08/10