Balam - demo - CD (2012)

Labels: self released
Review by: Alex Deller

Three lengthy numbers from trippy Rhode Island dudes Balam, a band who’ve seen fit to pitch camp somewhere between the respective outposts of Sleep and Om. This, naturally, means repetitious riffing, hazily mysterious lyrical output and many a nod to thee rock of yore. While the production could perhaps do with a dab more heft it’s nonetheless all rather agreeable, and elements like the splendid vocal harmonies creeping their way into ‘Soul Scour’ suggest there may well be more to future releases (including one for UK label Mordgrimm) than mere heavy-lidded kowtowing towards Jerusalem. In the meantime, though, this’ll do nicely enough.