Stoner metal band Mr. Plow release their long-awaited album Maintain Radio Silence on January 26th 2018. The album is their first release in over 10 years following 2006’s Asteroid 25399. 
Mr. Plow formed in 1997, influenced heavily by the times, but sought a different direction lyrically – instead of dark and evil, they went for pop-culture references and hooky riffs. Mr. Plow was way less about skulls and satanic imagery, and way more about good times that would be the soundtrack for summer trips to the beach or skatepark.
The album opens with “Sigil”, with an old school 90s feel to it in the heavy stoner mould. The sound flourishes with “Samizdat”, the riffs and Waggoner’s vocals on which hold an impending doom feel. “Shaolin Cowboy” brings a separate vibe to the previous tunes. This could come with a parental “catchy” adviser label, and with its mesmerising lyrics is one hell of a groove piece.
Each of Mr Plow’s numbers comes with stoner laden riffs and, to be honest, I love that stuff. “Memento” continues the foray into the realms of groove rock. Next “Johnny Gentle”, the bass cascades over its central riff. This is a highlight, “C’mon Johnny Gentle save us now” and “Lock the door and shut the whole world out”. The style of the vocals penetrates this ‘flu-addled mind of mine.
There’s some old school Guns N’ Roses flavour in “Million Bucks”, and “Spark Arrester” has a nice touch of sleazy rock – you may need a wash after listening. “Hammer Smashed Face” comes at speed. “Paxton” fires a bolt of riff to the sky. It turns out this track is a homage to one of my favourite actors, Near Dark star Bill Paxton.
Coming to an end of this near hour-long record we hit “Southbound”, a track of homeward bound lyrics, guitar riffs and boy, the bass by Greg Green is wonderful. Lyrics “Missing my mum and I miss my friends”, may well be an apology for not giving their fans new music they have been clamoring for.
Maintain Radio Silence is released 26th January.
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