Split albums are always an interesting challenge. In many respects it gives two for the price of one, whilst sharing all associated costs for the artists involved. Northern Ireland’s Slomatics are the undisputed masters of this form but plenty of other bands also dabble successfully.
This release features two bands on the Ripple Music label. Hogging the ‘A’ side are Norwegians Captain Caravan who lay down five tracks of fuzzy, heavy, stoner rock which ticks many boxes. The opening song “Down” bursts into life, dominated by a combination of huge riffs and the powerful vocals of Johnny Olsen. It’s a match made in stoner heaven, for Olsen’s voice is perfectly suited to the band’s chugging sound. Slightly strained but with a melodic undertone, Olsen fits perfectly.
Having formed in 2015, Captain Caravan has some experience under their belts, with a debut album Shun the Sun released in 2018. There’s an element of psychedelia incorporated on the trippy “Painted Wolf”, but they don’t lose their heavy edge at any time. There’s also ample groove to get your move on. “She Can” demands some heavy shapes are thrown.
Side ‘B’ consists of four tracks by Kaiser, a trio from Helsinki who’ve been around since 2013. Their first track is “Howl”, and it’s a filthy, sludgy track interspersed with audio clips. The vocals of Olli Suurmunne are more urgent and aggressive than Olsen delivers for Captain Caravan, but once again they match the sound that the band produce well.
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They may be a three-piece, but Kaiser bring a huge noise, dominated by a groove-soaked vibe and thick, riffage which soon has you taking notice. The tempo picks up on the two-minute “Fire”, which is brief and to the point. Its urgency is the main attraction, with a semi-uncontrolled feel. But after “Sand Witch” it’s the closing track, the nine-minute plus expanse of “Phoenix pt. 1, 2, 3” which really leaves a mark. It’s a slower, dense sludge fest, which at times develops at glacial pace before increasing in speed. It’s the sounds that the band generate which is impressive, the combination of space rock and expansive stoner riffing working well together.
More for fans of the bands and maybe the genre purists, if you like your music to take you on your travels, investing in the 43 minutes on this album is certainly a trip well worth taking.
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Turned to Stone – Chapter 6 is out on November 18th
Check out all the bands we review in 2022 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!
Captain Caravan: facebook | instagram | spotify | bandcamp
Kaiser: facebook | instagram | spotify | bandcamp
