Album Review: Elephant Tree - Habits
Reviewed by Robbie Maguire
Elephant Tree have been attracting loads of interest in the UK doom metal scene and have seen their stoner doom stock credentials rising considerably. The signing to Holy Roar records for their third album has much to do with this peak in interest and anticipation. As does it being four years since they released their excellent self titled second album and the fact that said album contained some wonderful Psychedelic bluesy doom metal.
Firstly, this album is a heavy doom album but not in the traditional sense. Yes it's got massive, crunching, trance inducing riffs which are the main ingredients to achieving that Doom sound. It's also got more. The stoner elements are high up in the songwriting giving a warmth and grungy fuzziness that envelopes this album. The heaviness is heightened by what is going on behind the riffs and hypnotic grooves as well.
'Sails' feels crushingly accessible with a magnetism running through it. It sets the tone with its mid paced stomp and undeniable cool swagger. The soloing throughout appears effortless and rather than standout it just works as a whole to the ongoing barrage of uplifting heaviness. They are able to mix the differing dynamics of engaging and interesting songwriting. For these songs are long, many over six minutes yet your attention is held and you are pulled into the music. It's the soundscapes woven into the songs that really compliment them. At the vibrant beating heart of 'Habits' is the beautifully introspective 'The Fall Chorus' which has a subtle violin which comes to the fore with the delicate acoustic guitar. Lush blues drenched vocals adding depth and giving the song so much more character.
There is a sophistication in amongst the ambience of the keys and the bluesy undercurrent channels a mystical charm into the stoner doom. Ultimately a sense of calmness and positivity prevails. Elephant Tree employ all the tricks used before to create their own warm, fuzzy, doomy sound and even though there is a familiarity within the music it doesn't feel borrowed or repeated.
'Bird' will or should propel Elephant Tree to reach a wider audience on it's own. With Streaming, people may just hear this sublime piece of Doom psych with its uplifting nature and joyously massive chorus. They have the ability to push over and cross boundaries due to the accessibility of the the songs. It seems Elephant Tree are not controlled by scenes, styles or expectations. 'Broken Nails' closes the album and the haunting intro with sensitive vocals gives way to a captive song that will induce rhythmic head nodding and foot tapping, no doubt.
With the wonderful packaging that Holy Roar will grace 'Habits' (as they always do with physical releases) and with their considerable clout within alternative music in the UK hopefully we will see Elephant Tree push on further. Those that know, will know. Those that seek will find. Those that let 'Habits' pass by will simply miss out.
