Italian based sludge metal band Drunken Crocodiles release debut record Out of Barrel via Too Loud Records. Formed in 2013 and performing live since with the odd line-up change and two EPs under their belt has helped the trio grow as a band.
Out of Barrel has 11 tracks composed of different musical influences for Elia Borelli: bass & vocals; Ivan Marchettini: guitars; Emanuele “Bond” Mollica on drums. Starting the main body with “Viktor”, a Clutch mood of distortion and a strong introduction even as the vocals hit the news three-quarters of the way in. I got a bit lost halfway through with its change of tempo.
At the start of “The Monk” I get a taste of Silverchair, and yes, I do mean the Australian grunge fellas Silverchair. I’m not sure how to feel about this. It’s a slower rhythm compared to the previous song, but they erupt into vicious riffs as drums take over. The grunge sound stayed in “Shortcut” as it offers more a chance to hear what Elia Borelli’s vocalist sound is and with the backing of Ivan Marchettini’s guitar riffs aides in standing out the voice.
“Volstead Act” is a screamer, with old school metal riff-tastic essence as Elia screams in a smoky husky voice, and it has for some reason become my highlight. The slow drum beat as Elia pushes his vocal cords to the max. The drumbeat on “Mate” shows a very Metallica build up acknowledging these possible influences of yesteryear.
Out of Barrel is a full on live show sound, its riffs, vocals and drums all raw, as “Tricky Quiet” gives a sense these cats could explode the roof off The Underworld in Camden. Their distorted riffs, sludge themed melancholic mood is essential to an all-day rock festival.
Some high-class groove riffs of a sludge fashion, which Drunken Crocodiles sink in their teeth and tear through the eleven tunes with gusto.
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