Be not misled by the oddball band name, because the debut (I think?) five-song EP from Portland, OR's Mongoloid Village cranks out 23 minutes of some of the best sludgy, rocked out metal (or whatever the hell you'd like to call it) I've heard in quite some time now. From the uniqueness of the vocals to the unexpectedly memorable songwriting: Complete with atypically delivered "stoner rock" riffs (I'll always hate the term, but it kinda works); slow, pounding rhythms with roving basslines; and spacey layers of noisily droning textures with various melodic sensibilities that I'm sure many would tag "post-rock"—though in reality it's all far, far stronger and more interesting than all of that obnoxiously trendy bullshit. Plus, it's all bundled up in a great recording with just the right amount of gritty texture and a perfectly warm, cohesive mix. To be honest with you I didn't really expect to have this reaction, but I'm already eagerly looking forward to hearing more from these cats, so I hope the wait's not too long.
Mongoloid Village "Pickled Punk"
I don't see any ordering information anywhere, but I'm sure if you hit up the band on MySpace they'll give you the details on gettin' the goods. And I highly suggest doing so, 'cause this shit is way too good to meet the same painfully underappreciated fate of some of these guys' past efforts.
Comments
great stuff. they have that refreshing moment with them - plus they seem so unpretencious - great.
If you like them check my friends Stonebride at http://myspace.com/stonebride
they have the same vibe - but they’re more bluesy and more energetic.
Hope to get Mongoloid Village’s whole album somewhere if they have it at all.
12.18.2008 | By ashas
This is right up my alley, especially the more jammy/rocked out moments. They manage to pull together a variety of genres to form a rather cohesive and unique sound. Does anyone else hear a little grunge thing happening? The vocals may be a little distant, but it seems to work for them. Once again, i’m sold.
12.18.2008 | By paul
this is pure sonic goodness. love the tunes
12.18.2008 | By cap'n
The sound clip i heard above, sounds very solid. multi-level and unique (in a good way) and yes, much much better than what i hear on the radio
12.18.2008 | By pdxnick
thanks
12.18.2008 | By Kerb
The band hit me up about reviewing this, too. Great stuff. I was just up in Portland this past weekend and sadly missed meeting Mongoloid Village in person.
12.25.2008 | By Etan