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It
is time to confess, I was among the first batch of
fanboys who flipped over the Roadrunner release of Karma
to Burn’s self-titled 1997 album. As soon as I was done
reading the review in Metal Maniacs I headed to the
nearest Sam Goody’s. To say that it was an incredible
record is an exaggeration, but to downplay its longevity
and its influence in the stoner rock wave that would
unleash thereafter is nothing short of blindness. The
record was uneven at best, but the tracks that rocked
did it hard, and the Joy Division cover (“Twenty-Four
Hours”) was a nice touch to an album that had severe
highs and not too damaging lows.
More albums
followed and despite the confirmation that this instrumental
band could rock with or without vocals was clearer in 1999’s
Wild Wonderful Purgatory, I am not sure how many people really
gave a shit about 2001’s Almost Heathen. I know I didn’t. Nine
years later this West Virginia trio is back. Not intact, but at
least in full form and with only one, actually two, tracks with
vocals.
Most will
find comfort knowing that nothing has changed for Karma to Burn.
Their style has surely remained the same and is still as fresh
as it was in the 90’s . Free from all the chunkiness of most
stoner rock, Karma to Burn boogie, rock and jam like a trio of
special children who communicate through telepathy. If there is
anything positive about Appalachian Incantation is that it
sounds effortless.
If there is
anything that damages it and makes it pale in comparison to
their self titled debut is the absence of drummer Chuck
Nicholas. Dude had taste like few bangers, the man played with
color, splashed the songs with enthusiasm and it reflected in
his playing. His fills were the stuff that inspires people to
pick up the sticks. In his place is ex Nebula/Mondo Generator
Rob Oswald who plays too much to the song and not enough to
himself.
The guest
vocalist is Year Long Disaster’s Daniel Davies who does an
excellent job moving to KTB’s ever flying rhythms. The song his
featured in is
called “Waiting On the Western World” and if anything it goes to
show how versatile this band can be. Their instrumental rock
never lacks one element, but when peppered with vocals it suits
them just as well.
The limited edition version of Appalachian
Incantation includes a bonus disc with a reworked version of
“Two Times”, the song features Kyuss’ John Garcia and it’s
nothing short of bad ass. It makes the Hermano material sound
like Bread and I hate Bread.
Also, kudos
to the band for choosing Kyuss’ Brant Bjork as a producer. I
wasn’t a big fan of his horrible album TunnelVision Brilliance,
but here he proves that as a producer he can get nice crunch.
Official Site
MySpace
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