2008 Woodie Awards
Music Review: "Old Growth" by Dead Meadow
Jay Nemeyer
Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: Arts and Leisure
Since their formation in 1998, Dead Meadow has chucked out heavy guitar riffs at a slow, head-nodding pace.
On 2003's "Shivering King & Others" and 2005's "Feathers," Dead Meadow unleashed a whirlwind of experimentation.
They subsequently became the poster-boys of stoner rock and metal.
The three-piece's new collection of music, "Old Growth," combines elements of their prior work.
They mix old sounds with more intricate ideas to create an album that begs to be listened to.
Fans of vintage Dead Meadow might be disappointed with the group's conscious effort to hold back on blowing listeners away with noise and chunky guitars, but one must appreciate the songwriting.
Vocalist and guitarist Jason Simon, bassist Steve Kille and drummer Stephen McCarty take the best elements of Black Sabbath, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and drug-infused 60s rock and roll to formulate a kick-ass, experimental sound on this album.
The up-tempo, straight-ahead track "I'm Gone" showcases Simon's songwriting and lyrical ability.
The fifth track, "Till Kingdom Come," spotlights McCarty's under-appreciated ability to improvise. He does this while maintaining the beat and anchoring Dead Meadow's well-oiled stoner rock machine.
The tenth track on their album is "Keep On Walking."
The song breaks away from the band's tendency to write songs with exclusively minor-key chord progressions.
This happy, almost poppy song is a refreshing touch.
Dead Meadow's "Old Growth" is the perfect CD to put on as you lie down and fall asleep.
Well, either that or when you trip on LSD-just kidding.
Let's hope that after 10 years of playing shows, line-up changes and experiencing hardships on the road, Dead Meadow still has it in them for a few more records and North American tours.
On 2003's "Shivering King & Others" and 2005's "Feathers," Dead Meadow unleashed a whirlwind of experimentation.
They subsequently became the poster-boys of stoner rock and metal.
The three-piece's new collection of music, "Old Growth," combines elements of their prior work.
They mix old sounds with more intricate ideas to create an album that begs to be listened to.
Fans of vintage Dead Meadow might be disappointed with the group's conscious effort to hold back on blowing listeners away with noise and chunky guitars, but one must appreciate the songwriting.
Vocalist and guitarist Jason Simon, bassist Steve Kille and drummer Stephen McCarty take the best elements of Black Sabbath, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and drug-infused 60s rock and roll to formulate a kick-ass, experimental sound on this album.
The up-tempo, straight-ahead track "I'm Gone" showcases Simon's songwriting and lyrical ability.
The fifth track, "Till Kingdom Come," spotlights McCarty's under-appreciated ability to improvise. He does this while maintaining the beat and anchoring Dead Meadow's well-oiled stoner rock machine.
The tenth track on their album is "Keep On Walking."
The song breaks away from the band's tendency to write songs with exclusively minor-key chord progressions.
This happy, almost poppy song is a refreshing touch.
Dead Meadow's "Old Growth" is the perfect CD to put on as you lie down and fall asleep.
Well, either that or when you trip on LSD-just kidding.
Let's hope that after 10 years of playing shows, line-up changes and experiencing hardships on the road, Dead Meadow still has it in them for a few more records and North American tours.
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