ELCAM - AXE

 

 

ELCAM - AXE
Self released - May 2021
Stoner, psych, sludge, instrumental
Rated: ****

Instrumental French duo ELCAM have been doling out ten-ton stoner rock since 2013, and show no signs of slowing down on their fourth album AXE. With only a guitar and drums at their disposal, the two piece conjure up a massive sound bands with longer rosters would be envious of. The guitar tone is gnarly and sludgy, heavy enough to plow right past any talk of missing low end, and the drumming is masterfully tight and wildly dynamic. Like the best instrumental albums, AXE brings so much to the table that vocals are simply unneeded. The listener is ushered into the dark, noisy world of ELCAM with opener "Bipolar", ominous feedback slowly building to a razor wire riff, and layers of distortion and drums are gradually added until it all comes together in a relentless, driving onslaught. A brief psychedelic break changes things up and adds to the foreboding atmosphere, with keening guitar slowing down the tempo before the track soon bursts back into furious noise. "Tightrope" is another highlight cut of the album, laying down a slick, jazzy shuffle of lightning fast drums alongside RATM-style guitar squeals. The core riffs are angular and abrupt, cutting through tirelessly pounding drums. A break emerges with taut, laser-focused guitar that lives up to the song's name, so sharp in attack and tone it feels like a deadly balancing act. The remaining journey through the album is a treasure trove of equally nasty riffs and brilliant musicianship, making AXE a truly lethal weapon of stoner rock in ELCAM's capable hands.

(Written by Shastabeast)

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