- -- Release information ----------------------------------------------- -- -
Artist : Ape Skull
Album : Ape Skull
Genre : Rock
Year : 2013
Label : Heavy Psych Sounds
Cat# : HPS009
Source : Vinyl
Bitrate : VBRKbps
Size : 77,0 MB
Runtime : 44:15 min
URL : n/a
- -- Tracklist -------------------------------------------------------- -- -
01. Lazy 03:52
02. So Deep 05:22
03. Time And Wind 06:05
04. Make Me Free 04:09
05. I Got No Time 04:33
06. Bluesy 05:43
07. Hookah 05:51
08. Now I Get You 03:35
09. Take Me Back 05:05
- -- Release notes ---------------------------------------------------- -- -
Italian three piece Ape Skull are unashamed in betraying
their influences claiming to have a desire to reproduce the
sounds of 1969 to 1972. Certainly in their little corner of
Italy the last 41 years have never happened.
Everything about this album screams retro from the way the
songs buzz with that reckless, blues based groove laid down
by the wave of proto metal acts such as Jerusalem and Iron
Claw to the actual sounds. Guitarist Fulvio Cartacci sounds
like heÆs burning the fuck out of the valves on his amp to
achieve that rich, warm broken sound that so many people have
been chasing since but can only be achieved by using a piece
of proper vintage kit.
Drummer Giuliano Padroni not only lays down a sweet groove
throughout that acts as a bedrock for Pierpaolo PastorelliÆs
tasteful yet complimentary bass lines, he also possesses a
decent set of lungs, not too dissimilar to Rod Evans in his
Captain Beyond days. In fact Captain Beyond isnÆt a terrible
point of comparison for Ape Skull. Whilst Ape Skull may not
possess that bandÆs more overt, out there prog tendencies and
opt for more of an edgy blues rock sound but both bands have
been cut from the same sonic cloth. Whereas Captain Beyond
were at the forefront of an explosive and expressive style of
music Ape Skull pay faithful and respectful tribute to an era
when bands favoured musicianship and the vibe over the
technology, a time when bands had to stand or fall on their
ability over their looks, a time when Black Veil Brides would
have been lynched from the nearest tree!!!
Picking out individual tracks would be pointless here; each
of the nine songs is a little nugget of retro gold with just
enough funk, groove and soul under its hardened blues
coating. No one song stands out as either a crowning moment
or a real stinker as the song writing is even and consistent
throughout. This album does raise some questions, however,
when it is possible to obtain copies of albums that 20 years
ago may have seemed impossible to find, by bands such as
Truth and Janey, Jerusalem, Iron Claw, Granicusàetc either
through the reissue market or by MP3 rips on the internet,
how much of a market is there for bands who reproduce the
style and sounds of that era so faithfully? In the case of
Ape Skull I hope it is a case that sheer ability, vibe,
enthusiasm and, above all, great songs will win out as here
is a band that plays with flair but, more importantly a
passion that seeps out of every groove.
Alongside fellow countrymen Doctor Cyclops it seems that
Italy could have a burgeoning retro rock scene to rival their
Scandinavian counterparts. Ape Skull have a minor gem on
their hands here. Now itÆs time to chuck their gear in their
van and hit the road as this is music designed to be played
live, loud and proud!!!
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