2024-10-03 07:00:33
(c) Jesse Carson
It takes encouragement from friends, family and your own record label to do this Electric clay Back to the studio. After releasing two albums and an EP, the Florida quartet has been relatively quiet over the past three years. Ultimately, the American band realized they hadn’t said everything yet and wanted to make a real statement. “Ashes and Bones” deals with human society’s urge to self-destruct, and crafts a heavy (post-)apocalyptic soundtrack.
In this context, titles like “The Wrath of the Strong” are given a whole new meaning. Electric Clay takes a laid-back, almost bluesy approach to the six-minute song. You rarely hear them so calm and reserved, but it’s this contrast that provides great entertainment value. It’s fun to listen to a quartet play and let the guitar solo sing. In comparison, “Top Of The Tree” is short, sweet, and punchy. Southern rock and stoner riffs fuse together and get really dirty and sweaty.
This wholesome yet extremely heavy feeling is perfect for men. “Manmade Weather”, for example, has a squelching intensity and rhythm-like quality that fits perfectly with the dominant scrubbing guitar. “Silent Gods” moves forward cautiously, flexing its muscles and almost inadvertently delivering a great melody or two. The subdued “Gone Are The Days” displays playful virtuosity before “Ace” breaks the mold. The fact that The Electric Mud are able to maintain tension for nine long minutes and take a back seat with an almost constant build-up speaks to their ever-evolving songwriting.
More of everything, especially the pressure, the power of the riffs and the passion: The Electric Mud want to make a difference with this album and play like there’s no tomorrow. Considering the topic at hand, this actually isn’t that far-fetched. Heavy riffs, more blues and a squelching heaviness drive Ashes and Bones. Wholesome madness that actively deals with the here and now, accompanied by damn good music. The third album is convincing on every level – and it’s a good thing The Electric Mud continue to do so.
Rating: 8/10
Release date: October 4, 2024
Available via: Little Stone Recordings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheElectricMud
category: Magazines, reviews
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#Electric #Clay #Ashes #Bones