Saturday 6 May 2017

March The Desert - Tidal Mind (Album Review)


Release date: February 2nd 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Tidal Mind – Tracklisting

1.Star Crosser 06:28
2.Mud Toad 03:01
3.Acid Wolf 07:31
4.Higher Power 03:47
5.Another Day In The Dunes 06:12
6.Wood & Wire 04:54
7.The Last Raindance 04:42
8.Etheric Warrior 05:47
9.Tidal Mind 07:09

Members:

Sam Well - Vocals
James Thorne - Guitars
Alastair Train - Bass
Hugh Gascoine - Drums

Review

I've been a fan of March The Desert for a few years now. Their mix of Desert Rock, Doom, Stoner and Grunge riffs have a slightly vintage feel to them. Though the band do add modern day sounds that gives their sound quite an emotional feel. Their new album – Tidal Mind – is an excellent mix of different styles of Hard Rock/Metal. The vocals take some time getting used to but Sam puts in a great performance throughout the album.

Songs such as Star Crosser, Acid Wolf, Higher Power and Tidal Mind show that March The Desert are perhaps the best tracks on the album as they show what March The Desert are really about. Heavy grunge based riffs merged with Doom and Stoner Metal sounds. The band are influenced by 90s Grunge/Doom/Stoner Metal bands as this album has a mixture of sounds you've probably heard over the last 20 years or so.

Don't let that put you off as you'll be missing out on a very good album. The production could have done with more work as it feels too raw at times. Though maybe that's March The Desert's intent in releasing an album that captures their true sound.

If you're a fan of Soundgarden and Kyuss then you'll find much to enjoy here. The band have been shamefully overlooked by the Doom/Stoner Rock community. I hope that changes as March The Desert are a band worthy of your time.

All in all, Tidal Mind is a powerful and potent mix of different styles of genres that showcase a band at the top of their game. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp