I’m all for a good jam, but the writing isn’t there to engage across such extended journeys. Unfortunately, Sun Below‘s penchant for extended instrumental jams and exorbitantly lengthy compositions and indulgences bog the album down significantly. While never a particular strong point, the vocal variations are more appealing when employing the rough-hewn cleaner style evidenced on cuts such as the trippy, far too long ramble of the intermittently interesting “Holy Drifter.” Craig takes lead, with backing duties occupied by the remaining two band members, drummer Will Adams, and awesomely named bassist Garrison Thordarson. The vocals are the definition of a mixed bag. Opener “Chronwall Neanderthal” rumbles and grooves in modestly entertaining fashion, bringing rather lively energy and the less than stellar shouts and bellows of frontman/guitarist Jason Craig.
Three of the nine tunes presented tip the scales at ten minutes plus in a sign of confidence and ambition. Smokey hints of Kyuss, Electric Wizard and Acid King float through the Sun Below sound, as they riff, swagger and stumble through a mammoth opus, clocking-in at a whopping 71 minutes. But do Sun Below possess enough creative juices and songwriting chops to stand out from the crowded field? The music evokes sun-drenched road trips on lonely highways, cold brews in good company, and the chilled, at ease atmosphere that is a signature of the style. Sun Below boast a stripped back, garage-y production, fat guitar and bass tones, laid-back jammy vibe, lots of trippy psychedelic flourishes and crude, no-nonsense vocals. Up and coming Toronto act Sun Below are dropping their debut self-titled album and all the ingredients for a good old time in the land of fuzz and sand are in tow. With summer fast approaching in my neck of the woods, some good old stoner rock vibes are always welcome.
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