| Awesome Machine Vs. Duster 69 (Split CD / vinyl) | 2002 | Fluid Groove / Daredevil |
The Awesome Machine blows you out of the water with the expected heavy-as-hell unapologetic stoner sounds for the masses, from the superb slide guitar on 'Bleeder' to the spaced-out instrumental that closes things down, 'The Crailsheim Experience.' If you like past efforts from these guys, you'll love this. They bring the chugging, heavy bass, ripping tube-amp guitar tones, and full, 3-D drums all the way home. Not to mention Lasse's trademark rough/melodic vocals. It`s small wonder that The Awesome Machine carries the flag in Sweden's heavy music scene.
Duster 69, though. That's a different story. I bought both of their CDs when they were new, and there was plenty of good stuff to say about 'em. But, to tell you the truth, the vocals always bugged me: they were too loud, flat, and punked for the heavy stoner vibe they seemed to be aiming for. And the songwriting, while competent and sometimes excellent, also seemed uninspired at times. Well, they've augmented their former power trio lineup with a vocalist and second guitarist and holy shit! These guys are smokin' now! First off, vocalist Lucki is a truly great addition to the band. He sings like a punkier version of Spice or even - yes - Lasse. Fin's guitar gives Duster a fatter, warmer sound than they've had before. And the songwriting has taken a leap forward, bringing the group into the forefront of the northern European scene. Think Unida, Zerocharisma, or the Mushroom River Band. Now you're getting it. With a little more development, these guys could soon be wearing a crown of their own.
This is the kind of surprise I can always dig. And although the word "VS" separates the bandnames in the title of this EP, they complement each other quite well. This is a fine slab of stoney heaviness!
The Awesome Machine
(Presence of a Cyclops Mind)
1. Bleeder
2. Drowning in You
3. The Crailsheim Experience
Duster 69
(My Sister's Demon)
1. Calling
2. Schoolbus
3. Laugh is Suffocated
4. Pride*
*CD only track
Approx. 32 minutes