Slow Corpse - ​​Hound

Slow Corpse

Hound
self-released; 2015

4.0 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen
​

Slow Corpse are the combined efforts of Mitchell Winters, (Vocals, Keys) Brenton Clarke, (Guitar, Vocals),David Delladio (Bass) and Cesar Perez (Drums). Their debut EP Hound is one of the more memorable debuts I heard in awhile. The band manages to carve out a distinct sound over six songs which are very well written and executed.

Hound is a DIY effort and an anomaly when it comes to the production and recording quality. It’s not very often you hear self-recorded albums that rival professional studios but this is the exception. If the band has trouble pulling in some cash from being musicians they should consider becoming studio engineers and working with other bands.

The music on Hound is chill,catchy, fun and borderline ethereal at points. Reverb laced guitar are grounded by a fat bass and heavy dubstep style drums that hit hard. The band gets going with “Vision” where some of the guitar work reminded me of Modest Mouse. I loved the juxtaposition between the background vocal which sounds like ghosts and the lead vocal that sounds upfront in the mix. It’s atmospheric and dreamlike. The songs get a little more intense as it progresses but doesn’t become grandiose.

Melodic tranquility is all over “Ruckus” which has a quality that feels as if it's floating away. Great stuff. The most single worthy track that I could see attracting a large audience is “Rewind”. “Rewind” has more bounce and you can move to this track. The guitars still at times reminded me of Modest Mouse but the beat and bass make it play out like a dance track.

The title track certainly has a dubstep vibe that isn’t too far from James Blake while “Shores” has a bluesy, loose vibe that feels free. The guitar solo is a plus. I thought the track would have benefitted from being trimmed for about a minute but wasn’t a big deal. They close with “Ill Man” which has an ending that sounds like nothing else on the album. It covered in intricate percussion and the bass hits you like a ton of bricks. Possibly a taste of things to come.

Hound is an exceptional debut which very minor mishaps. The band is off to a great start and can’t wait to see where they go from here.

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