Album of the day: Sons of Otis – X (Small Stone Records 2005)

(From our archives): The advent of a new Sons of Otis record is always a combination of expectation and dread. Expectation in that the band consistently produce great records, dread in that, like Spinal Tap, the band seem plagued by minor and major problems during recording!

This time around, the problem isn’t keeping hold of their drummer, but that the recording was done without the support of a record label. Fortunately, this has since been rectified and X will be released in early 2005 by Small Stone Records. So, with the line-up of Ken, Frank and Ryan intact from ‘The Pusher, what does the new record sound like? Similar to all previous Otis outings: thick sludgy riffs underpinned by a pounding rhythm section and heavily delay-processed vocals swirling in and out of the mix.

The difference between this record and the previous full-length Songs for Worship is apparent after the first few spins of the record. X is far more compact. The songs don’t sprawl as much, the drums aren’t too forward in the mix (a problem that made Songs for Worship pretty unlistenable to these ears) and the songwriting is a welcome return to the more bluesy style found on Templeball.
Drone fans won’t be disappointed in any way with the Earth-like ambient drone of ‘Eclipse.’ Overall, however, the tracks are just more ‘interesting’ than on the previous record.

Highlight tracks for me include the juggernaut opener ‘Way I Feel’, the grooving ‘Help Me’ and the Hendrix-inspired ‘Liquid Jam.’ As a bonus for those that missed out on “The Pusher” 10″, a new version of the track appears here featuring some searing lead work from Ken and massive drumming from Ryan.
The only track I find weak is ’1303′ which, apart from being a bit simplistic, features some hideous squeaking noise out the guitar at the end of each bar which overstays its welcome almost immediately.

Production-wise, the CD is a bit rough in places especially given that the tracks were essentially recorded live off the floor. However, the echoic nature of the church they recorded in does give ‘Eclipse’ a massively Satan’s cathedral feel! Billy Anderson’s production is suitably bottom-heavy, but feels more subtle than his usual work. He successfully brings out the heavy in Otis’ sound without compromising Ken’s signature warm, overdriven guitar tone.

This album is a great improvement over Songs for Worship and yet another top-notch release from Sons of Otis. Hopefully it will enable them to get the exposure and success they deserve.
Aligator Descartes

Tags: album of the day, billy anderson, small stone records, sons of otis

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