If there was ever a competition to find the worst band names in the entire universe, this Belgian group would be up there with the likes of Chimp Spanner and the god-awful Anal Cunt slugging it out for the top prize. Steak Number Eight is a really ridiculous name and although things like this should be secondary to the music itself, the moniker cannot be ignored. I cannot believe that it has not cost the band some fans because had I not been sent this to review, there is almost no chance that I would have given them a try. And I’ll be honest and admit that at least half the reason would be down to the stupid name.
Anyway, it is time to climb down off my soapbox and actually focus on the important matter of the music. And it is in this department where Steak Number Eight excel. It is hard to accurately and succinctly define the Steak Number Eight sound and, judging by the number of bands that this incredibly young Belgian quartet have been likened to, I’m not the only one to have struggled it seems.
Post metal is probably a good place to start, although in isolation this is not entirely accurate. Everyone from Neurosis to Deftones, from Tool to Mastodon have been mentioned by way of description and, if I’m honest, none of these are actually misleading as there are demonstrable aspects of each of these bands within the overall sound. You could even add in the likes of Cult Of Luna or Isis to the list.
Huge sludgy riffs and gigantic walls of sound are evident in abundance as are the aggressive and gritty screamed vocals that occasionally give way to, or duet with, cleaner singing or hardcore-esque shouts. However, the big surprise for me is the melodious nature of much of this record. I began the review process with trepidation and about as much enthusiasm as a manic depressive. And yet, I end it on a real high because to my surprise, I have discovered a band that has genuinely fired my enthusiasm.
‘Cryogenius’ lays an early marker down with a great opening mid-paced riff followed by a catchy chorus of sorts that calls to mind nineties grunge. The mid-section of the song slows and quietens but continues with the chorus melody before the track explodes to a conclusion. In spite of my general hatred for grunge, the quality of the song writing means that I can’t help but like it a lot. ‘Photonic’ is a monster track that opens up into a gloriously melodic piece after a measured and absorbing atmospheric build-up. The almost purely instrumental work-out that is ‘Push Pull’ continues on the atmospheric theme, peaking with a subtle and uplifting end section reminiscent of Devin Townsend.
The Hutch rarely lets the quality drop below brilliant and the truly frightening thing is that given the average age of the band, things can only stand to get better from here. I love it when my preconceptions are blown out of the water and, to Steak Number Eight, all I can say for now is ‘wow, well done chaps’.
8.5/10
Matt Spall