Labels: Relapse
Review by: Alex Deller
Red Fang’s self-titled CDEP from a few years back was an enjoyably rollicking slice of aggro stoner metal, and with their debut full-length for Relapse they’re continuing on the same sozzled trajectory. In keeping with their new home things are bigger and glossier this time around, the riffs hulking and the percussion akin to something large and saurian bareling through strange prehistoric undergrowth in a manner that’s mid-way between ‘Stoner Witch’ and ‘Here Come The Waterworks’ with a generous dash of ‘Blessed Black Wings’ sloshed in for seasoning. Perhaps the biggest change is to be found in the vocals, the familiar moonshine-ravaged howl occasionally complemented by a smoother, cask-aged croon that adds a trickle of honey reminiscent of QOTSA’s pre-megastardom output to the whole affair and ensures cuts like ‘Hank Is Dead’ and ‘Number Thirteen’ will be left swilling round your brainbox long after the hangover has faded.