Slump - Nothing More

 Full disclosure: this is going to be an overwhelmingly positive review. The reason for this is chiefly because Matt Noble, leader of Birmingham-based Stoner Rock riffmongers, Slump, has been one of my best friends for years. I guess a secondary, paltry-by-comparison reason is that their debut single “Nothing More” is absolutely killer. 

The track opens with an ominous, chorus-drenched riff; a foreboding of the savagery that is to follow. Then layers of distortion assault your ears and a barrage of piledriving drums leave you gawping from the other side of your face. Think Down, having a punch up with Alice in Chains, then kissing and making up while cranking Corrosion of Conformity records. But as much of a hefty punch as it packs, “Nothing More” also display an impressively measured, melodic side. Noble’s husky-yet-melodic vocals are as soulful as they are filled with attitude, complete with rich harmonies more in the vein of Trivium than Sleep. Elsewhere in the song, cleaner guitars take centre stage with a delicate melody line that provides a brief respite from the dirge, before throwing you right back in at the deep end of the Doom pool. 


Just as you’re thinking that you’re going to be crushed to death under the weight of the driving main riff, the band throw a curveball and drastically change pace, kicking into high gear with a little rocket of a riff that chomps at the bit and snorts furiously as it launces at breakneck speed out of the gates. Then, as your neck begins to feel the strain of furious headbanging, duelling guitar solos turn up the heat to unbearable levels, sporting an impressive balance of bluesy chops and virtuosic shredding: a truly cacophonous climax. 


Sure, Matt is my friend and I’m reviewing his single on the website that he founded, but I can’t stress to you enough how impressive this track is for a debut single. The Midlands Stoner/Doom scene is in a fantastic place right now, and this feels like the scene has just gained another major player. I’m going to wrap this up now and see about mopping up the remains of my melted face…


FFO: Down, Alice in Chains, Corrosion of Conformity, Trivium


DEAL: Do it. Just do it. I’ll fight you if you don’t. Don’t make me come over there. Listen to it. Now.

Spotify / YouTube


BP

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