Band : Mothertrucker
Album Title : Dark Transmissions
Label : Own Release
Distributor : /
Release Date : 2010
Review : CD

Not sure if they're a post rock, stoner or sludge metal band, Mothertrucker decides to be all three at once with their 2010 release Dark Transmissions..

With Dark Transmissions the listener is given seven tracks of swirling guitars and crushing riffs sans vocals but heavy on the atmosphere, and the post rock meets sludge meets stoner meets dark vibe that this UK outfit conveys isn't one to be taken lightly. There are haunting and surreal moments that perfectly compliment the loud and powerful side of the music. “Sweet mahal” is the quarter hour tour de force in which these Birmingham lads bring all these elements together. The length of the songs (5-16min) allow the band to really pull out the stops and go for variation in their composition. The changes in direction and mood are really great and not overused or forced. On the tracks “You don’t cut another man’s steak”, “Liddel couture III”  and “Midnight sin” these boys lay down a wicked, corroded chugging sound that will have you thinking Melvins and less progressive Keelhaul with a bit of the psych feel of Mogwai added in. “Festival strength” and  “Church stretton” have a more driving  beat, which keeps me thinking of  Karma To Burn but also brings Pelican to mind.

Totally intense instrumentally, Mothertrucker make a play for your utmost attention with its incessant distorted neck breaking grooves and dynamic arrangements.

90/100

Cosmicmasseur.