Rito Verdugo - Post-Primatus

Rito Verdugo - Post-Primatus

Self released - June 2020

Psych, stoner

Rated: ****

Composed amid quarantine, the new EP Post-Primatus from Lima, Peru's Rito Verdugo is an exhilarating escapist ride of heavy psych. Mixing firm, swinging groove with trippy psychedelia and blown out vocals, the group delivers four solid tracks as unpredictable as they are irresistible. Brief opener "Misterio" sets a hazy scene with a lethargic beat and spacey effects before launching into the rush of "Monte Gorila". The warm and insistent bass holds down a rapid-fire riff beneath crunching guitars, while layered vocals attack in a distorted assault in the style of Ecstatic Vision. Sweeping effects keep the ears reeling throughout, but never to the point of overwhelming and always in service to the groove. "Lo subnormal" ups the ante even more with a hard-hitting, driving riff that's all fuzz and low end. Rito Verdugo channel both Fu Manchu and Led Zeppelin, alternating between no frills desert punk and bluesy bounce. The drums are a particular highlight of the track, dishing out Bonham inspired fills and setting a foundation for the pounding backbone of a rhythm section. Last but not least, epic instrumental closer "Inhumación" is a tour de force of heavy, swinging through a doomy Sabbath groove one minute and smoothly shifting to a Maiden-esque chug the next. One sinister earworm hook in particular is a standout lick, not for lack of competition, and the track's wild onrush eventually comes to a close amid an avalanche of riffs. Post-Primatus is a wild ride of stoner psychedelia that keeps you guessing and never lets up off the gas, making for one of the most exciting short releases of the year.

(Written by Shasta Beast)

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