By:
Ernesto Aguilar
Album Type: EP
Date Released: 25/08/ 2017
Label: Independent
For
such a new outfit, Howling Giant brings sophistication
to the lyrical and musical aspects that you might not expect. The result will
astonish those fans who have been eagerly awaiting this sequel.
"Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2" CD//DD track
listing:
1.
Henry Tate
2.
The Pioneer
3.
Visions
4.
The Forest Speaks
5.
Circle of Druids
6.
Earth Wizard
The Review:
Nashville,
Tenn.'s Howling Giant, a relatively new addition to
the stoner rock lexicon, has generated high hopes early. The first EP in this
thematic series gained reams of positive reviews. Such coverage was earned
fairly. Part One of the story was quite fuzzy, as well as robust, and drew
comparisons to Electric Wizard, among other performers.
Yet
can "Black Hole Space Wizard: Part
2" draw the same lofty praise as the initial recording?
The
concept recordings – it is still a bit unclear if the story will carry on into
a third EP, or more than that – tell the tale of humankind's rise and ultimate
vanquish through the eyes of a protagonist. Such a heady vision can easily
collapse under the weight of presenting that depth of a story with any hope of coherence.
Howling Giant indubitably plumbs this mythology, but make
it clear the music comes first. Arrangements are dexterous and vocals plaintive
when needed, urgent the next. For such a new outfit, Howling Giant
brings sophistication to the lyrical and musical aspects that you might not
expect. The result will astonish those fans who have been eagerly awaiting this
sequel.
Howling Giant has garnered
a lot of support for its sound and been likened to bands like The Sword. Although you can hear many classic-tinged acts
in Howling Giant's sound, repeated listens may
conjure diverse parallels. The album's opener, "Henry Tate," for example, has a sound and vocal delivery
reminiscent of NoMeansNo circa "The Day Everything Became Nothing." Given NoMeansNo's pioneering post-punk bona fides, that comparison
is a high compliment, but it gives you a glimpse at how deceptively talented
this young band is on the new release.
The
new music seems like an impressive leap from Part 1. The washed-out vocals get
a much better mix this go around. Drumming here is standout. The storyline,
without spoiling anything, is furthermore going to keep you listening,
especially if you enjoy a story with your songs. All said, Howling Giant
demonstrates early accolades were deserved.
"Black
Hole Space Wizard: Part 2" is available here
