record review

7 INCHES on SINKIN/RISIN 7"

Got this single from The Enthusiasts way too long ago, I think this came out in FEB! I really slept on this one and of course am regretting it big time. These guys are so perfectly capturing this thick classic rock sound, with the balls and brag of the guys from Natural Child or Liquor Store, but 30 years earlier and in the blacklight basement instead of the garage.

A-Side's "Sinkin/Risin" has this big, live room sound and ringing distortion right into the huge cavernous chords...really a classic, metal rock, the individual melody is steeped in that Sabbath, Iron Maiden distortions. There's a little psych sound with the big muffled delivery and cranking out a big melody in between the verses. Awesome harmony with crisp vocals. If dead meadow was anti-drone and all gutteral psych, this is a pitch perfect homage, slightly muffled, analog sound here. Not expecting such a throwback sound from the Lichtenstein cover... the drums are mic'd from one spot, honestly this isn't something you can pick apart, they're getting this sound showever they are... keep it, don't ever change. Unbelievably unique and specific. The way all of a sudden the guitar and bass come together for big runs down the fret board is just plain great, it's just so audacious to do something like that and get it right...all of it.

"Joanne" on the B-Side is again in this huge reverb room, crazy vocals on this side getting way slower, but still rooted in big time open rock fields. Just a trio of dudes with one letter names, DH and G, and Joey Ghostly on vocals...they all recorded, engineered and mixed this masterpiece and it's fantastic, 
The chorus harmony of "Joanne! Joanne!" borders on the head bobbing best parts of classic rock, sweet harmony and all balls. They capture that raw individual sound... and bass solos! Damn. Gritty guitar work, plus they had a 5 track, don't ask how but they had that specially manufactured 4-track with an extra track, like Spinal Tap. Really great bluesy, sweaty sound, a little bit dark, but the harmonies keep this chipper and classy. Somehow this one gets really going big and showcases bad ass guitar and bass work for the fret gazers out there. I need some prog! Some complex fingering dammit! These guys have it all.

Wouldn't you know it the color pics on the reverse of the insert have a Don Pedro banner in the background, gotta get out and catch these guys.

This is a Magic Sleeve stapled on two sides, on black vinyl, get this from the band, or the label...only 150, get on it pretty quick. Love the handmade touch.

http://7inches.blogspot.com/2012/05/enthusiasts-on-magic-sleeve-records.html