The 1990s brought a little Lawrence, Kansas band by the name of Paw, who put out two full-length albums 1993’s Dragline (which featured the catchy singles “Jessie” and “Couldn’t Know” that got moderate rotation on MTV as well as featuring in the computer game Road Rash) and 1995’s overlooked Death to Traitors. There were a couple of final releases in the shape of the Home is a Strange Place EP and the Keep the Last Bullet for Yourself odds and sods collection before the band’s eventual 2000 split.
In the following years Frontman/Vocalist Mark Hennessy started focusing on his literary career before returning to music with Godzillionaire who also feature Ben White – Guitar/Synth/Vocals, Michael Dye – Bass/Synths/Vocals and Cody Romaine on Drums. Releases to date include 2016’s Small Change, 2017’s the great dEPression EP, 2020’s Negative Balance and the “30 Days Same as Cash, Motherfucker” single. With artwork somewhat reminiscent of Floodgate’s sole album Penalty and considering Hennessy’s aforementioned musical history the scene is therefore set for something truly special.
“Drowning at Night” demonstrates a vocal maturity for Hennessy away from the baritone Eddie Vedderisms of his prior work towards something more distinctly original. Meanwhile, musically you are met with expansive Stoner Rock which recalls the kind of thing that might have evolved out of the Palm Desert scene albeit with a Bluesier edge ala Masters of Reality. A superb opener. ‘Boogie Johnson’ is the album’s shortest track at just over three minutes and hits hard with a punchier approach, heavily influenced by 70’s Proto-Metal and bands such as Cream, Grand Funk Railroad, James Gang and their like. There’s also a Punk energy present that really hits the spot too, sublime. “Spin Up Spin Down” is slower, with some Psych slipped in giving the whole thing a “Planet Caravan” tripped-out vibe with nods to contemporaries such as Stone Temple Pilots and Brant Bjork’s cool jam-laden solo work. Another gem of a track.
“Astrogarden” certainly hints at early Queens of the Stone Age with the Vocals hinting at Josh Homme’s, back when that band were still making records that were worth listening to and investing in while “3rd Street Shuffle” points to the likes of Fatso Jetson if they were fronted by the great Alain Johannes. There’s also a southern twang ala ZZ Top with the irresistible grooves proving a surefire hook for newcomers to the band, no wonder it was selected as one of the album’s singles. “Unsustainable” takes an unexpected experimental turn with a Trip-Hop/Electronic sound (think Portishead, Massive Attack etc) and female Vocals courtesy of Lizz Weiler. It represents a sonically brave step forward from the quartet and one that is certainly welcome.
“Common Board, Magic Nail” disturbingly bares some similarities to The Stone Roses in terms of the Neo-Psychedelic danceable beats, the Drumming especially reminiscent of Reni from the latter. An unlikely and unfortunate comparison no doubt but yet one which strangely works! Finally is the album’s longest track at nearly eight minutes long “Shadow of a Mountain” which for the main part is subdued before exploding in a fashion of which Soundgarden would be proud. An epic and sublime conclusion to the album.
It makes perfect sense for Godzillionaire to be releasing this album on Ripple Music, who have been responsible for putting out first-rate releases by Temple of the Fuzz Witch, Glitter Wizard, Sonny Vincent and Hermano. Furthermore, credit needs to be extended to label head Todd Severin for giving Hennessy and co the opportunity to showcase their talents on what is a spectacular release.
Buy the album here:
https://godzillionaire.bandcamp.com/album/diminishing-returns
8 / 10
REZA MILLS
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