Review : BARN BURNER – “Bangers”

Barn Burner – Bangers
released February 16, 2010 on Metal Blade

When thinking about the stoner rock scene, Montreal, Canada is not exactly the first place that would come to mind for most people. However, it appears as though it could turn into a hub for the genre, with Priestess leading the charge and now Barn Burner gaining some attention. However, neither band has really released an incredible, stand-out debut album. Bangers is entertaining, though, and will at least satisfy the tastes of most.

Stylistically, Barn Burner sounds like Fu Manchu but with less emphasis on the blues and more influence from the harmony of Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden, their self-proclaimed influences. The most prevalent part of the Fu sound in here, though, would be the vocals. K. Keaglesmith sounds almost like a clone of Scott Hill. This isn’t necessarily a good thing. His voice has, personally, always been the thing that’s kept me away from Fu Manchu. It’s not horrible, though, and I can see the appeal of it.

As far as the actual album goes, there isn’t really much that sticks out with a “wow” factor. There are a few headbangers here and there, notably “Holy Smokes” with the Maiden-worshipping riffs (possibly a title reference?), “Beer Today, Bong Tomorrow” and its obvious bluesy stoner grooves, and “Brohemoth” which has a subtle Mastodon influence. These are really the only songs that deliver throughout. You can get tinges of the groove here and there, but it really pales when compared to many of their contemporaries.

If you love stoner rock, this is at least a good album to check out, and even if you don’t live and breathe by Kyuss, you might still get some joy out of it. It’s fun and it’s entertaining, it’s just lacking a lot of the passion and energy that separates your average band from your great ones.

FCC: 2, 3, 5, 6
Try 1, 4, 7, 8, 9

01. Holy Smokes
02. Fast Women
03. The Long Arm of the Law
04. Beer Today, Bong Tomorrow
05. Running Reds
06. Medium Rare
07. Brohemoth
08. Half Past Haggard
09. Wizard Island
10. Tremors
11. Old Habits

Rating: