RUBY THE HATCHET-VALLEY OF THE SNAKE-

As I dig in to the great Stoner/doom/blues/psych era of 2010´s much of my surprise is the rerun of ´70s sound and heaviness. Released in 2015 this outfit originates from New Jersey US and has been relocating to Philadelphia later on. This is their second release and a deeper dive into the Stoner/blues/doom rock sound they have been exploring through constant touring.

The band features guitarist Johnny Scarps, drummer Owen Stewart, bassist Mike Parise, and keyboard player Sean Hur, and is trademarked by the personal, dynamic vocalist Jillian Taylor.The producing is just top notch for the genre and the perfect mix between guitar and vocals grow on you, just like a snakebite! Impressive work. The bass/drum cooperative is as good as the next on but doesn´t stand out in any way. Songs are strong but a bit “avarage” and with a resemblence of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Some taste of Pentagram is also hinted here. A good album but a bit anonymous.

There are many bands in the same swimming pool such as; Electric Citizen, Asteroid, Vidunder, Horisont, Kadavar and so on..The thing is this: It will take endurance and good managing to get through the competition. There is no short on talent but as I wrote erlier, there will be a thin line not to be labelled “A rerun” from the 70´s.

Whatabout the drummer, Owen Stewart?? A cutios fellow with great timing and good Clean striking. Nothing to Copycat back to the rehearsal room but a good sense of drive together with the bassplayer. A Perfect fit for this album.

If you are into Stoner/doom/blues/psych rock this one´s right up your Alley. For the rest of us its Worth exploring but due to the explosion of the genre in public, you might find some other favourite out there. Take time and investigate!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-GOOD!-WORTH EXPLORING-