MUSTASCH „Above All”

It might be hard to get hold of this one outside Europe but it's worth trying. I promise you!
Well… over to the review.
This band could be labeled as stoner rock. I have followed their history since their demo recordings, which were pretty amazing. This is the first full length album from the band. On their debut EP “The True Sound of the New West” they pretty much sounded like Kyuss but had a guitar sound that was a little more metal. On this CD they have incorporated a wider range of influences. The influences are in no way rip-offs cos the band still has it's own feeling and sound.

I hope that the name dropping that follows won't make you quit reading on. I'm sorry but I feel that I have to compare Mustasch to other bands to give you a picture of their music. Usually stoner rock bands have crappy vocalists but Ralf is a great rock singer. His voice reminds me of John Garcia from Kyuss mixed with Ian Astbury of The Cult, a combination that is more than pleasing to me. The lyrics are pretty cool but should not be taken too seriously. I won't describe all songs but I have to mention “I Hunt Alone” because of the fact that it has an atmosphere and riffing that reminds me of Iron Maiden at it's best. The first single (and video) from the album is “Down In Black”, a true in-your-face rock anthem. Other influences that shine through are Soundgarden, Deftones (OK, just one riff) and, as mentioned before, Kyuss.

The main difference between “The True Sound of the New West” and “Above All” is that the guys have fewer riffs in each song and that they have taken a step in the direction of more mainstream appealing song writing. I can tell you: there is nothing wrong in that. Just consume a couple of them beers and enjoy the groovy noise! Cheers!

note: 8 (of 10)