Morass of Molasses – End of All We Know
Morass of Molasses – End of All We Know
Ripple Music
Release Date: 24/03/23
Running Time: 37:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
If you’ve ever seen Morass of Molasses live, you’ll know that it’s an intoxicating experience. The heavy blues riffs that the band purvey with such ease are mesmerising. Their laidback style disguises an underlying quality which here, on their third full-length album, is laid bare for all to see and hear. It’s no surprise to find that this 37-minute trip is another journey into space and time, a pleasing excursion that ebbs and flows with thick riffs contrasting with gentler passages and melancholic reflection.
There’s a confidence that oozes through Bones Huse, Phil Williams and Raj Puni. Tours with Orange Goblin, Crowbar and Elephant Tree as well as appearances at Bloodstock and HRH Doom vs Stoner have honed the band’s technical approach, and their ability to make genuine, heart-felt music is evident here. With the use of flute on the likes of Terra Nova, the band have expanded their soundscape, providing a sonic sweep that embraces all aspects of their heavy stoner and swamp music. Not bad for a band from Reading.
“End of All We Know” opens with the heavy groove of ‘The Origin of the North’. It’s a swaying intoxication which draws on a real seventies’ vibe, the retro feels given full head. Close your eyes and sway as the music envelopes, drawing you deep before all power is temporarily cut for a gentle interlude, before the chaos intensifies.
Whilst Morass of Molasses stick to a relatively similar style in terms of delivery, with Bones Huse’s vocal style very much following a pattern, it’s the content of what they do that works best. The heavy riffs dominate, whilst Huse is most comfortable with his frantic, rage-filled roars that erupt in the most unlikely moments. The dual guitar work is delicate at times, whilst letting loose on others to explode in a crazed, kaleidoscopic carnival of aural colours.
Songs like ‘Sinkhole’, the jagged edge of ‘Naysayer’ with its compelling hook and psychedelic leanings and the trippy explorative ‘Terra Nova’ with added flute all add to the overall experience. Closing track ‘Wings of Reverie’ shows the band’s calmer side, although you are left anticipating the crunching riff which inevitably crashes back in. It’s a bit of a curved ball, a melodic trip that ebbs and flows, with Williams delivering some beautiful lead guitar work. It’s a fine finale to another solidly good album by one of the UK’s underrated bands. Crushing doom, raging metal, psychedelic and trippy, it’s all here, wrapped up with a huge sludgy sound that compliments the avalanche of riffs that fall.
“End of All We Know” builds on the discography that Morass of Molasses have created and stands comfortably alongside debut album “These Paths We Tread” and sophomore release “The Ties That Bind”. The sweeping dynamic that they create is substantial, unique, and absorbing. I fully recommend you dive in deep… And enjoy the journey.
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Origin of North
02. Hellfayre
03. Sinkhole
04. Naysayer
05. Slingshot Around the Sun
06.Terra Nova
07. Prima Materia
08. Wings of Reverie
LINE-UP:
Bones Huse – Vocals & Baritone Guitar
Phil Williams – Lead Guitar
Raj Puni – Drums & Vocals
LINKS:
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