Night Goat - Burning Bridges to Light the Way (2020)
On Night Goat's third EP (following the
simultaneous release of their Chicken
and Egg records), the
Australian group has put together just under half an hour of
material, with a conceptual emphasis on the deteriorating state of
the world.
Opening
with “Simulacra”, the group works a slow and atmospheric groove
between the bass and drums, with smokily sensuous vocals wrapping
their way around the progressions. Restrained toothiness on the
bass' riffs gets to come out and play in the bridges, with
guitar-work and rougher singing joining in once that side's been
uncovered. As things continue to develop, both sides entwine and
branch off again, making for an opener that impresses with its
technical panache as well as the emotiveness of the playing.
“Negative
Crepe” (presumably a play on the similarly-titled Nirvana track)
picks up from that high note, shifting back to the slow and moody
vibes for the most part, though they do find room for some heavy and
hard hits on the up-shift. It's more of a tonal trip than a rocker,
but they put in such good work, it hardly feels like they're taking
it easy. “Anchorite” takes over from there with a broody,
simmering lead-in that practically tingles with foreshadowing. And
the song delivers, working its way back and forth on intensity
escalation, teasing listeners deeper into its web, edging them on
with ominous build-up and leaving them eager for whatever may come.
Finally,
“The Last Human Sound...” brings a conclusion that builds from
the mix of melancholy and anticipation preceding it, delivering the
longest song on the EP. Working a rising tension and swelling guitar
presence, the band unfurls a track that I have to imagine takes on a
spirit of its own in live performances. Despite its length, it's
maybe the easiest listener on the EP, thanks in large part to the
careful handling of the main melody. All in all, a very respectable
release from this crew, and one with some deceptively sharp hooks to
get lodged in the back of your mind.
~ Gabriel
For Fans Of; Acid King,
Jess and the Ancient Ones, Stonerror, Wicked Lady, early Windhand
~
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