Not bad for a more groove oriented metal band, obviously moving beyond their stoner rock roots since forming in 1995. With their latest released, instead of only playing the simplistic bar chords to churn out thick rough distortion,
Red Aim have added a more funkified groove vibe, along with a soulful and jumpy bright atmosphere, leaving the dark sound, literally in the dark for this record.
Although there is somewhat of a twist of mainstream rock within Niagara (or should I say, this is what mainstream rock should sound like), that should not scorn any metalhead or hard rock fan from enjoying this. It's kind of like
Deep Purple (due to the fact that there is a heavy Hammond organ presence, used for the first time on this record) and
Black Sabbath crossed with some of the Red Hot Chili Peppers less avant-garde/goofy material, as well as the pop aesthetic that
Cheap Trick brings to the table. So in other words this record lacks all the doom and gloom, but yet creating an extremely moody vibe.
But filled with more metallic based songwriting with somewhat of a pop edge, mostly added within the production, giving Niagara its live garage feel to it. The production which is filled with all the guitar work, behind standard rock drum patterns, obviously complimenting the extra rhythm provided by tambourines and shakers, not to mention low rumbling bass lines that tend to follow the rhythm guitar, among the organ's presence tends to give the album a more stripped down feel, although not stripped down at all. The production is overall dense, filling just about every sonic nook and cranny, creating a musically correct endeavor.
Most cuts are quick in pace such as
"Saputura," which features a children's choir,
"Hard 16," and
"The Stupidity Going East." The more dark songs are
"Parachute," the title cut, and
"Matula;" but regardless of the consistency, this record does not get redundant.
It drives; it crunches, and makes for good listening, overall.
Red Aim should easily be making waves in the stoner rock scene and although a German band, they should be making waves in the U.S., due to the heavy presence of stoner rock in the states, those of you who might have seen this band evolve through six albums, should realize that their weak past is behind them, introducing a more diverse sound with their sixth effort, showing that their evolution has done well for them.
Written by
Hashman Saturday, November 29, 2003
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