MAMMOTH

I recently acquired a vinyl copy of Beardfish' 'Comfort Zone' album (review will follow) and I've been digging into their discography (backwards). I havent' heard a single note of anything Beardfish recorded before 'Mammoth', but I'm quite impressed by these heavy and gritty retro-prog albums full of influences of stoner/grunge and prog bands like Gentle Giant, Captain Beyond, Zappa and King Crimson. On 'Mammoth' the band has created a unique sound with much detail in different types of fuzzy guitar and analogue sounding keyboards (they have a natural feel in the mix). Bass and drums are raw and pumping. All this adds to the feel of listening to a real band of sweaty guys performing music, in stead of listening to a studio-polished and overthought 'production'. This distinguishes the band from other Scandinavian groups like The Flower Kings. The band doesn't shy away from a little humor, but the music stays on point and kind of cool in a nineties grunge/alternative rock type of way. The fifteen minute piece 'And The Stone Said: If I Could Speak' is the centerpiece of the album and what's not to love about this basement grunge version of Gentle Giant? 'Tightrope' is a light song in the humorous Mothers of Invention mood, but it doesn't sound like an imitation because of - again - the gritty and spontaneous sound of Beardfish. 'Green Waves' is another heavy song with alternative leanings and grungy vocals. It reminds me a bit of the later Pain of Salvation. 'Akakabotu' is an instrumental track full of retro style organ jazz prog. The added sax of Johan Holm is great throughout. The final track 'Without Saying Anything' seems a bit superfluous, which is probably because of the fact that is doesn't have its own unique take on something - like all other tracks have. This album is ideally suited for many things; a naturally recorded album for fans of vintage prog. An entry into eclectic prog for metal fans. An energy boost for those who are tired of listening to low energy prog. Beardfish is quickly becoming one my favorite groups I discovered in 2020.