I was requested to review this album by the Sonic Elders of YURT. Not one to question any sonic elders, I accepted the request. It’s fair to say on their third album called “III: Molluskkepokk,” YURT are indeed good with sonics and atmosphere.
The first track “A Lesion in the Chrysalis” in an introductory space rock jam filled with bizarre sounds and pounding riffs. “Parasitic Cabal” starts off REALLY awesome with a helluva instrumental jam. I thought that YURT was actually an instrumental band similar to Tempel who they remind me of a little bit. I’d never heard them before so I was surprised that 11 minutes into this 12 minute epic there are VOCALS. I was not expecting it.
To be honest, the vocals on “Parasitic Cabal” aren’t needed at all. The song is so damn good that the vocals seem out of place. About the vocals, they are harmony vocals that remind me a bit of Baroness in style and delivery. I’ve said about Baroness that although they are not the greatest singers in the world, they can sing fine and their voices fit the music. The same can be said for YURT.
“Sjambok” is a 5 minute instrumental blast with some great playing. It’s important to note that YURT are really tight and excellent musicians. This track hammers that point home. Interesting that up to this point there are basically one minute of vocals. It just shows that the Sonic Elders of YURT do things their way.
Speaking of doing things their way, the band unleash “Ruptured by the Shrapnel” next and it’s a 16 plus minute epic. It has plenty of riffs and actually plenty of vocals too. The key to any really long song is to not make it seem long and YURT understand how that’s done. Plenty of engaging riffs, seamless segues and some drama along the way.
YURT are definitely a band that harken back to early 70s prog and space rock. Imagine if Yes, Hawkwind and Wishbone Ash got together for a jam. Well, that’s close but YURT is heavier than that. “Unknown Component” is a fair representation of what these guys are about. “Testament Zero” closes things out with more space rock synths and thick riffs. It’s probably my second favorite track on “Molluskkepokk” after “Parasitic Cabal.”
The Sonic Elders of YURT praise the power of the almighty riff on “III: Molluskkepokk.” I love bands that can not only write a good riff but write a shitload of them. The vocals MIGHT be an acquired taste for some prog fans but if you like bands like Baroness or Mastodon who sing with passion and whose voices blend with their music, YURT will be up your alley. The Sonic Elders of YURT have spoken. Heed their call.
Rating: 8.5/10
Tracklist:
1. A Lesion in the Chrysalis
2. Parasitic Cabal
3. Sjambok
4. Ruptured by the Shrapnel
5. Unknown Component
6. Testament Zero
Bandcamp: yurt.bandcamp.com/album/yurt-iii-molluskkepokk
Website: www.yurtattack.com
https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4261432324/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3982770321/transparent=true/
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