Northern Primitive - Northern Primitive
Rating
RIYL
Black Rebel Motorcycle ClubAlberta Cross
Sonic Youth
Nirvana
Release Date
01/01/2011
Tracklist
1. Highway2. One Click
3. Northern Primitive (Winter Baby)
4. Soul Machines
5. The Civilian in Me
6. Space Traveler
7. Grifter Justice
8. Stay Low
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Welland, Ontario may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think about rock n’ roll… hell, it’s probably not even the first city that comes to mind for native Canadians. That being said, there is an emerging crop of great bands springing up in the area with Northern Primitive leading the way. January found the trio releasing their self-titled debut album, an infectious noise soaked array of well written songs and genuine passion for the glory days of the 90s. The band reached out to me after following my reviews on Decoy, claiming I was the man for the job in reviewing their record. Well, one listen through and they were most certainly right. There is an undeniable charm radiating from the core of the songwriting, with shouted vocals that are raw but soulful, harsh but woozy, coming from an honest place as they cut through the fuzz and mayhem. The band have constructed a dense and dazzling debut of roaring garage rock built upon foundations of psychedelic pop, shoegaze, and occasionally grunge undertones.
“Highway,” the first single and album opener, creeps in with a slow build of atmospheric sounds before the hypnotic riff reaches full volume. The sound surges with a beautiful guitar tone rumbling with distortion as the song rolls forward, eventually revealing the first taste of vocalist/guitarist Matt Sajn’s diabolical howl. His voice has a drunken warble to it, loose and scratchy yet commanding and comforting at the same time. There is a reckless quality to their music that bursts from within the tight song structures, seemingly ready to implode at any minute yet never losing focus. The sheer levels of fuzzy bliss continue on “One Click,” a weary song that grinds with a pummeling beat and heartfelt vocals. Deep underneath the wailing assault of the guitars, there is an undeniable southern twang that makes appearances throughout the record, creating the raw blues/folk aspect of the band that permeates so well within the sonic assault. “Northern Primitive (Winter Baby)” showcases just that, with a deep fried groove from Ross Miller (bass) and Billy Topolinsky (drums) that rides side by side with the blues lick winding through the slow burning haze reminiscent of The Black Keys or Alberta Cross.
“Soul Machines” is awash in shoegaze guitars, crashing together with a bleeding bass riff that floats in the thick fog of their wall of sound. Short and sweet, the vocal melody is catchy, drowning in reverb, and filled with just enough hooks to fully encapsulate your attention before fizzling out. “The Civilian in Me” offers a rapid fire attack from Topolinsky who launches into machine gun fills over the low key stoner fuzz wavering forward courtesy of finely constructed circles of feedback. “Space Traveler” finds Sajn’s bluesy moan at its finest, wailing over the churning up-tempo riff and snarling rhythm. The mesmerizing grip of chaotic entrancement momentarily drops out, leaving just his soulful howl standing proud until the band come crashing back with a storming intensity. Aside from having an incredible title, “Grifter Justice” further hones in on the band’s Americana/blues influence, though it remains piled underneath a never-ending barrage of distortion. A delicate balance of ease and destruction is offered within their music, walking a fine line that never crumbles thanks to clever songwriting and phenomenal production.
“Stay Low” closes out the album with an aggressive burst of energy as the band launches into their heaviest moment yet. The rhythm section stampedes into the bridge before Sajn reveals his throat wrenching shouting ability. The band have a natural talent creating grizzled psychedelic rock, and they prove it here, ripping into the fabric of the album and pulling the guts out during the record's final breath of life. Northern Primitive is an extremely well rounded band, and their debut shows a range of tone and emotion that many veteran bands fail to establish. Crank up your speakers, spark your joints, and welcome Canada’s next great indie band.
--Dan Goldin
Comments
Reno, NV
Wow, based on this review, and before attempting to hunt this down, I will give this 5 stars. Everything described sounds like music custom made for my ears. I will be checking this out and hope it matches my interpretation of your review. Thanks. Seems like Canada bands have a very high percentage of awesomeness.
Current Listenings:
Psychollywood - Psychollywood
Royal Thunder - Cvi
The Next Hundred Years - Troppo
Kyng - Trampled Sun
Kill Devil Hill - Kill Devil Hill
Minnesota
Bucky, I'd temper your expectations. I don't think Dan has ever written a negative review. Ever. He loves everything no matter what. I swear, if I would have given him Brokencyde to review, it would have gotten at least 3.5 stars!
Find me EVERYWHERE:
Reno, NV
I might not lump a review of the RIYL artists with the content of this album review, which I guess I should have taken into account on my initial comment. I will give my actual rating after a proper listen as I have just downloaded the album from their band site.
Current Listenings:
Psychollywood - Psychollywood
Royal Thunder - Cvi
The Next Hundred Years - Troppo
Kyng - Trampled Sun
Kill Devil Hill - Kill Devil Hill
Brooklyn, NY
That's not true, I just pick the band's I like... I don't give shitty reviews, because why bother giving exposure to something that sucks??
www.explodinginsound.com
Minnesota
The biggest issue with that statement is you're only reviewing band you like. So, basically, tossing objectivity out the window :-)
Find me EVERYWHERE:
Reno, NV
Did not live up to my initial expectations but I must say I do like the music these guys play. I got a little excited just reading the text of the review, I haven't been around hear long enough to get a good sense of the different reviewer styles on this website, but either way, this album is pleasant on the ears and I likely see myself listening to them more. Kind of reminds me a a band called 'Antler' which I listen to on a regular basis. Check their self titled album out in 2007. I've never heard another human being mention there name and they kick ass if you like this kind of music you are sure to love them. Haunting vocal patterns, with that bluesy, southern, classic rockish instrumentation. I give this 3.5.
Current Listenings:
Psychollywood - Psychollywood
Royal Thunder - Cvi
The Next Hundred Years - Troppo
Kyng - Trampled Sun
Kill Devil Hill - Kill Devil Hill
Brooklyn, NY
Bands I like based on the music being reviewed... I'd never heard of these guys before they sent this record to me. It's totally objective. By why claim something from the list so I can talk about how much I think it sucks, when someone who really digs them can talk about why it's good!
www.explodinginsound.com