This is the Dave Grohl-mentored debut release from Brum rockers SPIDER SIMPSON .Produced by FOO FIGHTERS controller Nick Raskulinecz, it drips with the expected levels of radio-friendliness – together with an undeniable and not unexpected transatlantic flavour as we see a Stateside-flavoured continuation of the Midlands tradition for spawning heavy-hitting, (sometimes metal) artists.
Another release available on Ltd. edition 7” vinyl – a few copies remain that were intended for sale exclusively at the gigs – it has a sound that is entirely consistent with what we think of as the ‘classic’ influences of the contemporary metal/grunge sound.
Furiously-paced and self-reflexive enough to pay homage to the ear-splitting shamelessness of (wait for it!)‘Heavvv-ay-y-y-y Metal’, complete with that title, leaving no room for misunderstanding should you be left in any doubt at all (reading as it does like a dedication, or a statement of intent). ‘HMM’ utilises a crisp gain-laden guitar sound to spearhead this mighty worship at the Devil’s own grunged-out altar of sacrifice
It’s an ode to poodle perms, tattoos and loose morals in gore splashed and strung-out stretch denim if ever I heard one. With the extra gear surging the vocals towards the chorus hook as the track approaches lift-off, the tune plays to the group’s strengths, namely lightning-fast, if not too original guitar work, and a thunderous drum pattern where the skins slap under the forceful weight of the sticks.
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There’s no room for compromise – you either lurve this stuff, or hate it, passionately! – there is no room for indecision in the face of music that leaves you unable to think due to excessive volume levels and other parent-alienating tomfoolery, but that could well be the appeal of this all-out sonic warfare. Who can tell?
Sounds like a Foo Fighters record to me, which you can forgive me for thinking surely? It also sounds like a thousand other records too, and that for me is the drawback, though this alarmingly loud-sounding debut is bolstered still further with a healthy blast of unswerving single-mindedness.
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