Baroness - 'Blue Record'

In an era of short attention spans, 3 minute singles and shuffle mode, making an actual album is quickly becoming a lost art. Baroness has only been around for a few years, but embrace the old school notion of striving to create a cohesive album that flows, not just a random collection of songs.

Baroness' sophomore full-length Blue Record definitely does that. Soundwise, their sludgy guitars are intact, but explore a bit more of their progressive and experimental side. It's also the first CD with new guitarist Pete Adams. Their sound has been compared to Mastodon, and on songs like “A Horse Called Golgotha” that comparison is apt. It’s heavy, but also complex and catchy.

There are numerous textures, intensities, moods and atmospheres throughout the album, and Baroness changes things up on a constant basis. Songs like “The Sweetest Curse” are heavy and reasonably straightforward, while “The Gnashing” has more progressive tendencies.

“Steel That Sleeps The Eye” is a soft acoustic interlude, with quiet vocals and nice harmonies. “War, Wisdom and Rhyme” is one of the grooviest songs on Blue Record, with plenty of instrumental breaks.

John Baizley’s vocals are unique. They are gruff, but still melodic. They add an interesting flavor to Baroness’ sound. And while Blue Record flows seamlessly, there are a couple songs and interludes that drag on a little bit too long.

There are CDs that are instantly memorable, and others that have subtleties and depth that requires a few more spins to fully appreciate. Blue Record is one of those latter albums. Many interesting things jump out on first listen, but absorbing the full impact takes more time.

(released October 13, 2009 on Relapse Records)