It’s safe to say that there’s a hefty amount of desert rock and beer drenched blue collar metal plundered in Red Fang‘s music. Enough in fact that it’s no surprise that they have found an audience in both stoners and alcoholics alike. To be entirely honest, with a hybrid of catchy hooks and heady grooves; the groups hesher friendly craft practically screams being the soundtrack to crushed beer cans and ashtrays overflowing with resin-caked roaches.
However, while Red Fang remain astute students of Sabbath and the like; there’s always been a persistent conflict between inebriated simplicity and knotted burly riffing found within their songwriting. This war continues to be waged on songs like “DOEN“—where a ripping solo comes shooting out of the gnarled mid-range Mastodon-like muck the band frequently embed themselves in.
That they follow up that cut with a straight forward hook-laden affair like “Blood Like Cream” plays up their duality. Sure there’s always been trace amounts of the above-mentioned Atlantan outfit’s penchant for psychedelic indulgence present in Red Fang‘s arsenal—hell, “Crows In Swine” could be on a recent Mastodon album and few would be the wiser. But on “Whales And Leeches” the group let some other influences shine through just as much and they emerge a more rounded outfit as a result.
“Dawn Rising” sounds like a refugee from the grunge era as a Melvins meets Soundgarden dirge is pierced by a soaring guest vocal appearance from YOB‘s Mike Scheidt. It’s a gripping track that latches onto some early 90’s nostalgia—though it may not sit well with some fans due to its blatant homage.
Meanwhile, the elephantine drone found on “Failure” distinctly recalls Neurosis with its slow, hulking crush. It’s these moments that can see Red Fang either sink or swim. As proficient musicians they are able to write a bevy of catchy hooks and riffs that stand on their own. But they can also fly a little too close to the sun when it comes to airing out their probable inspirations.
That said, when they do fall victim to hero worship you can tell that it comes from a place of respect rather than posturing. It is actually this unfiltered admiration that makes the groups own zeal and energy so addictive.
Their music is as gritty and working class musician as a piss-filled water bottle; which is probably why you can’t help but nod your head when they hit a stride. Songs like these feel like they were earned on the road rather than birthed in the studio and that goes a long way these days.
