Tag: Strauss

Strauss – Luia (Review)

StraussThis is the second EP from UK Stoner Metal band Strauss.

Their début EP was an great listen, and Luia follows up on the promise that their first outing showed.

Once again, this is riveting, rocking stuff. Heavy, fuzzy and with just the right amount of angry drive, Strauss proceed to deliver 5 tracks of involving music that takes in the Stoner genre and adds an extra layer of Metal to it.

There seems to be more of a modern twist to the songs this time, as evidenced by some of the less-typically-Stoner riffs and inventive vocal patterns.

Speaking of the vocals, once again these are a focal point. Whether shouting with passion, crooning with a cleaner style, or anywhere in between, the vocalist hits all the right marks and delivers a performance worthy of the music.

The songs are well written and the band seem to be slowly erring towards longer songs, which is never usually a bad thing in a band as it allows for more ideas to be developed and greater space for exploration.

Two EPs and two wins. This bodes well for an eventual full-length album. Here’s hoping.

Strauss – Strauss (Review)

straussStrauss are a Metal/Stoner band from UK and this is their first EP.

This band are on a mission to deliver the most fuzzed-up, dirtied-up, Metalled-up Rock there is. A band like this can easily fall short if they lack passion or attitude but Strauss have both of these. This is thanks in large part to the vocalist who injects a heady amount of personality into his singing that’s a real pleasure to listen to.

The music is not found slouching though – driving, riff-heavy Rock with a covering of old-school Metal that really hits the spot. I was always a big fan of Hard Words Softly Spoken by Jerkstore and this EP gives me the same kind of feelings as that.

But enough about the characterful vocals, and no more about the whiskey-soaked instruments; what about the actual songs? That most important of things? Fear not; the songs are here, and they’re ready to dance. A surly, belligerent and sleazy dance, but a dance nonetheless.

They’re also confident enough to play and experiment with their sound. A few widdly bits here, a few explorations there. It all adds up and forces you to notice that yes, there is more going on here than just _____-worship. The last track in particular Stop Pause and Play is of particular interest. I hope they build on this for future releases, as this could be truly something special.

If your tastes bend to this genre then I would heartily recommend giving Strauss a listen. Highly promising.