Post by thesoundmonitor on Feb 1, 2004 7:32:45 GMT -5
SHOVELHEAD
Red Sky Horizon
(Independent)
Although neither of us knew it at the time, it was a lucky day for both Shovelhead guitarist/vocalist Jim LaPointe and I last week when Red Sky Horizon arrived unsolicited in my mailbox. I was one of the fortunate people who got into LaPointe's previous band, The Lemmings; I've had their March of Provocation album for a good 5 years. Not only do I still drag it out for the occasional listen, but I've been known to toss it underhanded to neophytes who wanted to hear a "typical" stoner-type band, whatever THAT is. I always thought that the Lemmings' blend of stoned-out lyrics, excellent musicianship, and stylistic nods to the golden days of yore (in this case, rather heavy on the Hendrixisms), made them a groovy listen for anyone who wanted to find out what the scene was "all about." I must not have been too far off, because anyone who heard it always dug it.
I've got no good excuse for why I lost track of them after they morphed into Shovelhead. My bad, but I'm making up for lost time now. Although Shovelhead shares a lot of traits with The Lemmings, for my money they've improved significantly, and that's saying
something. Although they've still got all the characteristics I just mentioned, they've wisely added some echo to Jim's vocals. They're still strong and grungy, but now they've got a welcome spacey sound as well. The musicianship is still fantastic: Jim throws guitar shards all over the place, new guy Sha Zaidi provides solid support on bass and is not afraid to walk away from the guitar and do his own thing, and former Lemming Mike Scott can either do the octopus thing on drums or play as steady as Charlie Watts, whatever's right at the time. The music doesn't sound quite so Hendrixy to these ears, but is still a solid shot of early 70s psychedelic blues metal, full of dark melody and long jams. The songs are good at evoking a lonely, after-hours mood, like Shovelhead's playing to a private club full of no-hopers, each lost in their own private tragedy. Strange to say it, but it all makes you feel so good.
'Red Sky Horizon' lays it all out: its bluesy, spacey, and heavy on the riffs. The leads are tasty to say the least. 'Crop Duster' has some fierce drumming by Scott, with a kick ass, almost early Ramones verse alternating with a chorus that is reminiscent of Georgia space rockers Plaster. Hmmm… I can't figure out what's going on with 'Bottom;' the first
part is a short Motorhead 'Ace of Spades-' style instro, then there's a gap, then there's a long, lonely blues-based rocker with some tasty bass. I dunno, but I like it. 'Bastard' is intense, almost punkish, and the album closes with 'Amazing Grace,' and yes, it’s a beautiful instrumental take on the classic hymn.
It’s a damned shame that these guys aren't better known outside of northern Jersey. They certainly hold their own against such local luminaries as Solace, Solarized, and Halfway to Gone. I'm sure they've got day jobs and families and such, and it’s not easy to throw caution to the winds for the privilege of earning nothing on the road. Still, Shovelhead would make a great addition to Emissions. So check it out: if you're into Nebula or early Mudhoney and can see yourself laying back for some timeless music. The ponytails of the Lemming days may be gone, but the music is better than ever, heh heh. Oh, and don't forget to check out the CD artwork; Michele LaPointe's design is so professional that it had me looking all over, trying to figure out which major label the CD was on. Cool.
By Kevin McHugh
Red Sky Horizon
(Independent)
Although neither of us knew it at the time, it was a lucky day for both Shovelhead guitarist/vocalist Jim LaPointe and I last week when Red Sky Horizon arrived unsolicited in my mailbox. I was one of the fortunate people who got into LaPointe's previous band, The Lemmings; I've had their March of Provocation album for a good 5 years. Not only do I still drag it out for the occasional listen, but I've been known to toss it underhanded to neophytes who wanted to hear a "typical" stoner-type band, whatever THAT is. I always thought that the Lemmings' blend of stoned-out lyrics, excellent musicianship, and stylistic nods to the golden days of yore (in this case, rather heavy on the Hendrixisms), made them a groovy listen for anyone who wanted to find out what the scene was "all about." I must not have been too far off, because anyone who heard it always dug it.
I've got no good excuse for why I lost track of them after they morphed into Shovelhead. My bad, but I'm making up for lost time now. Although Shovelhead shares a lot of traits with The Lemmings, for my money they've improved significantly, and that's saying
something. Although they've still got all the characteristics I just mentioned, they've wisely added some echo to Jim's vocals. They're still strong and grungy, but now they've got a welcome spacey sound as well. The musicianship is still fantastic: Jim throws guitar shards all over the place, new guy Sha Zaidi provides solid support on bass and is not afraid to walk away from the guitar and do his own thing, and former Lemming Mike Scott can either do the octopus thing on drums or play as steady as Charlie Watts, whatever's right at the time. The music doesn't sound quite so Hendrixy to these ears, but is still a solid shot of early 70s psychedelic blues metal, full of dark melody and long jams. The songs are good at evoking a lonely, after-hours mood, like Shovelhead's playing to a private club full of no-hopers, each lost in their own private tragedy. Strange to say it, but it all makes you feel so good.
'Red Sky Horizon' lays it all out: its bluesy, spacey, and heavy on the riffs. The leads are tasty to say the least. 'Crop Duster' has some fierce drumming by Scott, with a kick ass, almost early Ramones verse alternating with a chorus that is reminiscent of Georgia space rockers Plaster. Hmmm… I can't figure out what's going on with 'Bottom;' the first
part is a short Motorhead 'Ace of Spades-' style instro, then there's a gap, then there's a long, lonely blues-based rocker with some tasty bass. I dunno, but I like it. 'Bastard' is intense, almost punkish, and the album closes with 'Amazing Grace,' and yes, it’s a beautiful instrumental take on the classic hymn.
It’s a damned shame that these guys aren't better known outside of northern Jersey. They certainly hold their own against such local luminaries as Solace, Solarized, and Halfway to Gone. I'm sure they've got day jobs and families and such, and it’s not easy to throw caution to the winds for the privilege of earning nothing on the road. Still, Shovelhead would make a great addition to Emissions. So check it out: if you're into Nebula or early Mudhoney and can see yourself laying back for some timeless music. The ponytails of the Lemming days may be gone, but the music is better than ever, heh heh. Oh, and don't forget to check out the CD artwork; Michele LaPointe's design is so professional that it had me looking all over, trying to figure out which major label the CD was on. Cool.
By Kevin McHugh