Thursday 28 January 2016

Mother Crone - "Awakening" (Album Review)

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 03/11/2015
Label: Independent


Certainly, when the band lay the grooves down, as they do on “Apollyon”, they are on fire: tight, powerful and raucous. There is also a lovely Maiden-esque section which is just fantastic. The final track is also the title track and is longer than other songs here, such is often the way with stoner releases. Warm electric tones coalesce with chugging riffs and a good hook to the vocals and music.

“Awakening” DD track listing:

1). Silt Laden Black
2). Black Sea
3). Descending the North
4). The Dream
5). Halocline
6). Revelation
7). Turning Tides
8). Apollyn
9). Awakening

The Review:

Stoner doom, with a hefty dose of Black Sabbath and Monster Magnet style psychedelia, Mother Crone do not mess around. Song lengths are reassuringly concise, leading to a tight and focused record which can switch between the instrumental thunder of opener “Silt Laden Black” to the mellow vibes of “The Dream”. The likes of “Black Sea” put the pedal to the metal, while “Halocline” builds effectively from mellow to furious noise.

Vocals are best described as “used sparingly,” but when the feature they are smoky and intelligible. Rhythmically, the band tends to gallop rather than plod and if there is one small criticism to be levelled, then it would be that the use of the galloping triplet feel is a staple... or looking at it another way, the album is held together by a unified approach, thus giving the band an identifiable sound. Have a listen and make up your own mind.

Certainly, when the band lay the grooves down, as they do on “Apollyon”, they are on fire: tight, powerful and raucous. There is also a lovely Maiden-esque section which is just fantastic. The final track is also the title track and is longer than other songs here, such is often the way with stoner releases. Warm electric tones coalesce with chugging riffs and a good hook to the vocals and music.  Mother Crone have put together a worthy addition to their chosen genre, while forging their own identity in the process. Well worth checking out. Just sit back and enjoy.

“Awakening” is available as “name you price” download here



Band info: bandcamp | facebook