Crank this to 8.8 of 11
Released: 2016
Genre: Stoner Rock, Instrumental, Sludge
Sounds Like: Mother Engine, Sleep
We need calm in our lives. Activities that can provide an escape and take our mind away from the everyday tensions that fester in our bodies. We find instrumental sludge to often be the deep tissue massage of the heavy music world. Steady, methodical, deep, and driving. The folks at Brunt have released their second medicinal EP that will add value to your stress remedy arsenal. The trio hailing from Guernsey (an island off the coast of Normandy) stick with their cathartic formula on Blackbeard. What we have here is three balanced tracks where the bass and percussion prowess delivers the Mariess brothers shine.
Track listing:
1. Blackbeard 08:49
2. Son Of Smoke 09:27
3. Cetus 09:54
How is the production and artwork?
Downright impressive on both fronts. Blackbeard is quite the headphone experience. Providing equality for each of the three instruments . What is scary is that the album was apparently recorded live by Mikey Ferbrache. If this is the case... what amazing clarity.
And as for the artwork, we are blown away by the ingenuity of Eric Krick. Visit his diverse collection as we are hoping to have him become a mainstay on our Homage to the Artist page.
Is there a standout track?
This is one of those rare instances where we can actually say no. Remember that deep tissue massage is all about steadiness and consistency. Brunt does not waiver or go off on radical tangents. Rather they stay well within the peaceful confines of what is sludge.
If you enjoy Blackbeard what other album would you recommend to we grab?
Get lost in their debut Self Titled album from 2104, where you'll find morepsychedelic sludge.Also, check out All Black Rainbow Moon by Les Lekin. While they infuse more post rock elements it's still a sludge gem.
What adult beverage do we recommend with this album?
Add some antioxidants with the healing of red wine. We recommend Cadeucess Cellars (Maynard James Keenan) 'Anubis' a wonderfully balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
What are our final thoughts on Blackbeard?
Blackbeard is a very pleasant listen. Well rounded across the board. Between the production, artwork and full-bodied nature of these three cathartic tracks you will add value to your music collection. Put this one in heavy rotation especially after coming home from a hard days work.