Monday, October 24, 2022

EARLY MOODS - Self Titled review

 



EARLY MOODS - Self Titled

RidingEasy Records


The sad thing about getting old is becoming jaded. Even if you're into extreme music the prospect of discovering something actually exciting is few and far between. So when a new band comes along that blows you away it's a damm good feeling. It's a feeling that makes you feel young and excited. Especially when it's unexpected which is the case here.


I saw this California band open up for SAVAGE MASTER earlier in the year at a club in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I was absolutely floored on how great a performance they put on that night. I picked up their debut five song EP Spellbound which was pretty good. But it did lack some of the fire and high energy which was featured in their live set. But their singer announced from the stage that they'll have a new full length out soon.


So this was easily one of my most anticipated albums of the year. Actually after the first listen I was like damm I like em better live. But hey this is everything I thought of when I first saw them. This is metal for of us and you true believers. You've got your TROUBLE / PENTAGRAM style of doom delivered with a youthful enthusiasm. Toss in some NWOBHM (yeah like WITCHFINDER GENERAL) and you've got it.


The highlights of EARLY MOODS are many but here's a few key points. You've got these clean, up tempo vocals by Alberto Alcaraz. The guy is an amazing vocalist. Add to that the twin guitar attack of Eddie Andrade and Oscar Hernandez. These two guys are schooled in the SABBATH riff, add on fuzz and classic blues rock soloing of the early 70's days.


Finally you've got a rhythm section of Elix Feliciano on bass and drummer Chris Flores. These two guys know doom out the wazoo. Whether it's Elix Feliciano heavy handed (and CANDLEMASS style plucking) or Chris Flores' perfect as well as classic drum style. They are are the end package to this gift of doom.


This full length debut by EARLY MOODS is an obvious salute to the past but with youthful enthusiasm. Add to that great riffs and soloing out the wazoo! Yep that's two wazoos! In this era where you've been sludged, stoned and death doomed to hell. It's a breath of fresh air. It's also one of my favorite albums of 2022 and should be your's. This debut is a perfect album. 


https://ridingeasyrecs.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://earlymoods.bandcamp.com/album/early-moods


No comments: