Mount Salem - Endless
Chicago rockers Mount Salem have recently signed to Metal Blade records, and to celebrate that deal, they are releasing an extended version of their debut EP; Endless.
The record opens with Good Times which instantly grabs your attention, sounding great as soon as the first bar rings out of the speakers. The sound the band have produced excites you for what Endless may have in store, that is until Emily Kopplin's vocals kick in. Kopplin's vocals cannot match what the band offers musically, it makes for an uncomfortable listen, every instrumental break is welcomed with open arms. It makes you wonder if she is just in the band to add some sex appeal to the promo shots, she is a good looking lady and obviously stands out against the backdrop of hairy men, but she does not seem to offer more than a pretty face.
The opening bars of Lucid are great; full of swagger, it is groove heavy and has an old skool vibe to it. It is the type of track that you just can't stand still to. Full Moon slows things down, it is definitely a slow burner, but Mount Salem uses time changes to really good effect. It is well worth the six and a half minute listen.
Endless closes with the aptly titled The End; another track with a great retro vibe that just makes you want to move. It has the perfect balance of heavy and psychedelic, and it is probably the track on the album where Kopplin's voice is at its least evasive.
Endless certainly makes for an interesting listen; it is a real mixed bag. Mount Salem do not break any ground with this release, but musically they prove themselves to be extremely talented and solid, it is a real shame that the vocal work is such a weak link when the band sound so good.