Stoned Diplodocus: Stoned Diplodocus

The clue's in the name. Stoned Diplodocus having a stoner outlook, but one that also takes in post-math and psyche. Either way, this trio hail from France and certainly seem very keen to look to a time way back before they were born. Yeah, we call it math now, but any sort of technical, jumpy, non-conformist psyche that cares little for boundaries or expectations comes from the same staring point as this hazed out dinosaur. Undoubtedly there's also a lo-fi feel, the impression that this five track forty-minuter probably took forty minutes or so to capture in the studio, a refreshing one. Yet, even with that in mind, prepare to meander as you wander and wander as you meander, for while there's plenty of structure here, one of the key aspects on this debut proper (the band released a demo in mid 2015) is to make it sound like that's not the case.

Anthony Retaille handles the occasion vocal, but it's neither his strong point, nor the album's main message, as mainly instrumental pieces tumble and dive from crunchy but lazy riffs to swooshing cymbals and roaming bass. Taken in the wrong frame of mind it can all seem a little rudderless and lacking for direction. The ho added to the hum on all too regular a basis. Although some of the more restrained moments actually hit hardest by adding just a smidge more direction and not worrying so much if it makes them appear under the cosh.

Stoned Diplodocus have delivered a reasonable opening gambit with their debut offering. However I can't help but think that it'll make a whole load more sense if you're of a mind to partake in one of the brown cubes illustrated on the CD itself. Leaving me on the outside looking in and not really all that worried about what's happening beyond.

Track Listing
1. They Live
2. Paxton
3. Deep Law
4. Attila
5. Empress

Added: March 10th 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Stoned Diplodocus on bandcamp
Hits: 1517
Language: english

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