Guppy

I cannot deny it, I am a sucker for an EP but an even bigger fan of a split release as it is a great way to showcase more than one band in a non overbearing manner. In recent times, it would appear that the rise of the split release has soared. Sometimes it can be a blessing (e.g. Dead Congregation / Hatespawn or Gurt / Dopefight) of free flowing music that keeps you hooked, leaving you bummed out and wanting more when it is over. Whilst at other times it can be a right royal pain in the ass (e.g. Old Corpse Road / Meads of Asphodel) of having to skip through one bands contribution to get back to the first artist or vice versa. Thankfully, just as I hoped it would, this release fell into the former camp.

However, don't be fooled into thinking this is just a generic split. Hell, I only just realised last night when dropping a log that "Guppy" is actually a mash up of GUrt and triPPY - a nice little trick I must say. Time has been given to this to ensure the end result is a cohesive soundtrack to roadtrip and chug beers to (Passengers only - the world doesn't need another Audie Pitre incident). The tracks consist of 2 from each band and a collaborative cover song. It's an interesting choice of bands because for this split because they are so different sonically although they share many common threads.

A little history (of bad men)

Gurt, on the one hand huff their fumes of intoxication from the polluted side of the river that you and I call sludge, where bands such as Iron Monkey and the criminally forgotten Bumsnogger reside. Their sound has always been about the riff, with more hooks than a fishing tackle shop and delivered in a no nonsense manner that ironically, is full of nonsense whilst still maintaining a heartfelt, respectable tip of the cap to fallen legends such as Johnny Morrow and Joey Lacaze. A band known for their humour, heaviness and consistency in releases.

Trippy Wicked on the other hand, thrive on the mystic, clearer side of aforementioned river. Thriving on a big blues sound that ranges from happy go lucky, whiskey soaked heavy ass rock ala Spiritual Beggars or Clutch, to downright eerie doom tinged metal that packs a punch as well as holding a lot of heart. Trippy Wicked have been improving on their sound since the release of the excellent Goin' Home and since further honing in on their strengths with their last EP Underground.

So, how do the bands fare on this latest release?

Well, if you are already a fan of Gurt, ye need not worry as the formula has not changed drastically and the riffs are still played at Gurts unhinged best and are different enough from what has come before on previous releases to grab you by the scruff of your neck. To say the formula hasn't changed much is not to say it is the same old stuff hashed out again because it isn't, they just know their sound and know what works just as Motorhead, Bolt Thrower and AC/DC did. The vocals still bark at the poon like a moonshine conossieur post digestion of razor blades wrapped in sandpaper (The most metal Fajita going?). The bass has a nice tone as can be really heard the best on opening track Owlmageddon and he does a great job of locking in with the drums for a rhythm section that prides itself on being tighter than a ducks arse. The songs on offer from Gurt here rely on a natural swing and are full of those earworms that they are renowned for. Gurt effortlessly retain their signature build ups to colossus, neanderthal riffs - conjuring the image of a reckless town inhabited by owls. Seriously, I just can't stop imagining an owl throwing up on itself on a park bench around the 03:35 mark of opener Owlmageddon. Plenty of punk ethos is still on display here for Gurt, more so on I Regret Nothing. It's a trick that Gurt don't always get the recognition for that they clearly deserve. Not that I am a fan of punk but it is refreshing to have a song that just dives straight in at the deep end without any warning and doesn't relent.

And then there is the Trippy Wicked side to this. Given their consistent improvement since Movin' On, I was eagerly awaiting to hear what these cosmic children had been brewing. Much like the Gurt side of the EP, there is a more up tempo song in Super Fun Happy Slide which is really good fun and so natural to rock out to and a slower one. Whilst I really enjoyed the more fun up tempo stylings of Super Fun Happy Slide, it's the slower affair of Reign here that really has got me in a stir and really has left me contemplating how good their next album will be as this has really become my favourite Trippy track. It's just huge and image wise it just makes me think of the classic MGM monster movies scenes, like when the lightning is striking Dr Frankensteins castle. The vocals throughout both of Trippys offerings are still innovative and completely their own style, with maybe a drop of Ozzy here and there. Plenty of banging riffs with alot of variation in the structures and the different guitar tones created from what I assume to be various pedals. The bass is thick and crunchy with a warm tone (and probably a few others possibly), played well whilst holding a consistent rhythm to the drums that helps deliver Trippy yet again as the tight 3 piece they are.

A special mention should be given to the drums throughout this EP as they are all undertaken by the same guy - Bill who is also responsible for being the drums and concussion for sludge / death metal titans Diesel King. I had my trepidations with Bill coming in for Trippy as Christopher West was clearly a pivotal member to this band, especially given his involvement with production and recording duties previously undertaken. However, it is clear to say that he has done Chris' foundation building within Trippy proud, retaining a really heavy groove. He's a heavy hitter and it can be heard throughout the whole EP, particulary on Revolting Child. His drums within Gurt have also kept the pace that the guys require and it is quite impressive how he can change as effortlessly as a chameleon given just how different Gurt, Trippy Wicked and Diesel King all sound from one another.

In closing, this is a water tight release. Combined with the track listing, this just works fantastically showcasing what is capable of both bands and ultimately leaving me very eager for their next respective releases. A bargain beauty of a release for old fans of both bands and especially newcomers alike.