Stoner/Desert Rock
Stickman Records
Release Date – September 13th 2024
Line Up:
Ben Berdous – Vocals/Guitar
Tor Erik Bye – Guitar
Marie Moe – Bass/Vocals
Jard Hole – Drums
Tracklist:
1 – Afghansk Rev
2 – Rice
3 – Cabin Fever
4 – Red Tundra
5 – Good Mourning
6 – Battling Guns
7 – Monomann
8 – MJ
9 – Dune
When you think of a desert, places like the Sahara or the Gobi might come to mind—arid landscapes defined by their lack of water, sparse life forms, and extreme conditions. Interestingly, Antarctica also fits this definition. But why the geography lesson? Because Slomosa, hailing from Bergen, Norway, draws inspiration from their own stark surroundings to create a distinctive brand of ‘desert rock.’
Slomosa’s journey began a decade ago as a casual gathering of friends—a perfect excuse to drink beer, smoke, and jam together. It may have started as a laid-back pastime, but their music has evolved into something worth serious attention.
The album kicks off with ‘Afghansk Rev,’ a track that eases in with slow, moody guitar lines, encouraging you to take a deep breath and relax before powerful chords crash in. It’s not until near the end that you hear a voice emerging faintly in the background. ‘Rice’ follows, carrying a heavy stoner boogie vibe, with vocalist Ben Berdous delivering a laid-back performance reminiscent of Chris Goss from Masters of Reality—a perfect counterpoint to the weighty music.
‘Cabin Fever’ is another slow burner, beginning with beautifully picked guitar lines that gradually develop into a mesmerizing groove. It’s the kind of track where you can close your eyes and let the music transport you. Marie Moe’s throbbing bass line introduces ‘Red Tundra,’ where her charming vocals blend seamlessly with the heavy guitars, with Berdous adding vocal support. The track is spacey, psychedelic, and takes you further than you’ve ever ventured before.
A 40-second piano interlude, ‘Good Mourning,’ offers a brief pause before the alt-rock/pop rock hybrid ‘Battling Guns’ takes over. Moe’s bass returns with force on ‘Monomann,’ launching another stoner boogie romp. ‘MJ’ continues the energetic groove, while the final cut, ‘Dune,’ brings in an Eastern flair, maintaining a relentless groove that transports you to uncharted territories.
While Slomosa may not yet be at the top of my list when I think of desert/stoner rock, they’ve certainly moved up the ranks with the strength of this release. The riffs may not be colossal, but they are insistent, and the atmospheric guitar lines paired with solid rhythms create an immersive experience. If you’re a fan of stoner/desert rock, this album is definitely worth a listen—you might just be pleasantly surprised.
Written by: Smudge
Ratings: 7/10
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