It’s been almost three years since these globe-hopping Newzealanders graced us with an album. Lest you forget, it was the critically acclaimed “The Baddies are Coming.”
Now that your memory has been revived, let me talk about the new album. It was inspired by their time in London, but recorded in New Zealand. The band now resides in Germany, continuing their “Slowest World Tour Ever” (details of which will hopefully be in a forthcoming interview).
The opener “With Trousers On” is a very pissed of pedal-to-the-metal number, that starts the album on a high note. One of the thing that hits the listener is the change in production. It is much warmer and organic as compared to the last album. The stoner/sludge/core groove is bound to get head banging, but is deceptive in that the rest of the album is much more introspective (though this is hinted in the break).
“The Alchemist” has a slower more menacing sound. The chanting is very effective, and the band displays its vast repertoire, with the breakdown and the slow doom that follows. The production again helps it sound more like a band jamming, and even he semi-technical parts come across as very natural sounding.
“Clocks” is morose restrained song, and easily one of he most haunted tunes on the CD. The lyrics are apt observations on modern human life, the music is beautifully dark. “Persistence of Time” has nothing to do with the Anthrax song of the same name, rather showing more songwriting eccentricity and lyrics that are alternately depressing and hopeful.
One thing becomes rapidly clear that this band has become darker and more serious, leaving behind some of the playfulness of the debut album. The negative feel pervades throughout every song, making he slower ones seem like dirges on the futility of existence.
“Two and a Half Dalis”, alongside the aforementioned “Clocks” is a great song, one you will return to again. How a three-piece comes up with such a well-crafted song, is a class in composition. It is tense and restrained, exploding very selectively. “Number 42” has a spiralling opening riff that soon evolves into the patented El Schlong groove, along with some tasty brass (!) work. The tempo slows down and speeds up but flows smoothly throughout.
The closer “Moving On” seems very autobiographical, in light of the bands nomadic lifestyle. It is quite epic in nature (and length) with some oriental sounding bass and guitar riffs, ending on a intricate note (the piano outro).
Overall, this is a original mix of various sub-genres of metal and punk/hardcore, yet managing a signature sound all its own. The instrumentation is mostly the standard power trio (vocals, bass, guitar and drums) yet achieves a great depth of mood. The modern harsh ultra-loud /compressed sound is eschewed completely in favor of rounded organic (yet very clear) tones and timbres. Since all three members share vocal duties, they cover a plethora of vocal styles. It is rewarding rich listen that does not overstay is welcome, and benefits from multiple listens.
Welcome back travelers !
-Suleiman
VITALS:
Release: 2011
Label: Self-Released
Avantgenre: Mutant Metal
Duration: 38:27
Origin: New Zealand
Official site: http://www.elschlong.com/
Review online since: 07.12.2011 / 09:21:44
| TRACKLIST:
01 – With Trousers On (6:21) |
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