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Troll Teeth : Goes Nowhere, Does Nothing
The third album from US band Troll Teeth finally pulls all of their
influences and experience into a complete, mature and sublime listening experience
that drifts effortlessly from '70s roots into modern-day Doom. |
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| Upon hearing the opening chords of 'Sword of Progress,' the first track of Troll
Teeth's third full-length, 'Goes Nowhere, Does Nothing', it is hard to
get the image of T-Rex out of one's mind. The album opens with such a
sleazy, '70s intro that visions of silk scarves, leather jackets, and perhaps even
Ziggy Stardust himself are simply unavoidable; yet that is all part of Troll
Teeth's oeuvre. Immediately, one becomes lost in this thick haze of loud
guitars, thumping bass, and a pronounced groove. For those unaware, Troll Teeth is a Philly band proficient in crafting absorbing atmospheres of analog psychedelia. Simply put, this is a band that exudes not only a jam vibe, but also the careful, meticulous plotting of '70s Rock giants. 'Goes Nowhere, Does Nothing', as the band's third album, offers a mature approach to their craft. By the time 'Trapped In A Bottle' arrives, first impressions shift from that initial '70s rush to a grungy almost-Alice in Chains feel. J.W. "Moe" Eccles retains a commanding presence throughout; at times, his role shifts from singer to shaman, conductor of a sacred rite from which the listener is invited to partake. In its ten-minutes and thirty-nine seconds, there never becomes a point where the music drags or wears out its welcome, but rather, the song serves to indoctrinate the listener further into the Troll Teeth cult where amps reign on eleven and the soul is invited to explore beyond the realm of corporeality. 'All Hands On Deck' opens with a meandering bass line filled with a steady reliance on a mixture of Blues, Soul, and a choking fog of smoke. That bass line sets the stage for the remainder of the song and before long, the band have charted a course through territory reminiscent of Down, Yob, and even Sabbath. At this point, one begins to become accustomed to the Troll Teeth formula, a tried-and-true method of letting the music take control and lead itself. The solos offered up by Peter "Pretty Boy" Trafalski are evocative and overflowing with strains of the most biting emotions. For the finale, the band decelerates into a call and response type of section between the guitar and vocals, a perfect denouement to resolve such a weighty song. The recording itself offers an intimate glimpse into the band's sound. One really feels as if in the middle of the room surround by amps. A suitable comparison would be to say that it is a very '70s take, an organic enterprise. Perhaps what is key to the success of this approach is that no instrument overpowers another. Rather, the band feeds off of itself. The guitar serves as the typical centerpiece, but the bass dances around the notes offering limber low-end elaboration. As master of ceremonies, the vocals resonate throughout with a reverb-heavy bent that reminds one at times of Dax Riggs. The halfway point of the album is where things get truly interesting. With 'Reconnoiter,' the fourth track, the band ventures into Metal territory. Propelled by a massive double-picking attack, the guitar establishes a momentum that thrives for the rest of the song. 'Turncoat' follows with a decidedly Stoner Rock feel. It is hard to avoid the feeling that one has been taken to 'Sky Valley' during this rousing anthem. In an age where the public is inundated with an overabundance of choices, sometimes it seems that quality remains obscured. Who does on trust for news? Where can one find the best dinner? With everything monetized now, one cannot simply google these questions anymore. No, now the world resides in a state that mandates one does one's homework. Quality music has not fallen by the wayside. Troll Teeth is proof of this. 'Goes Nowhere, Does Nothing' contains the hallmark of any great album: it leads the listener on a journey. Personal and intimate, the listener bonds with the music which serves not just to illustrate the prodigious creativity with which Troll Teeth construct their music but also as a catalyst for reflection. Granted, the music is filled with dazzling pyrotechnics of guitar wizardry, but they all serve to expand on the larger premise created. Considering the bands listed as comparison and the deeply moving nature of the music, it can be conclusively affirmed that they don't make albums like this anymore! Click HERE to discuss this review on the doom- metal forum. |
| Tracklist : 1. Sword Of Progress 2. Trapped In A Bottle 3. All Hands On Deck 4. Reconnoiter 5. Turncoat 6. Running Out Of Time 7. Emergency 8. Kokabiel Duration : Approx. 64 minutes Visit the Troll Teeth bandpage. |
